Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Stewart Stadium 3870 Stadium Way Ogden, UT 84403 Weber State Wildcats website Stewart Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 17,500 Wildcats of the Wasatch When you think of College Football in Utah, it’s very normal to think of the big FBS Schools first, such as BYU , Utah and Utah State . But nestled against the Wasatch Mountains between Salt Lake and Logan lies an FCS school that has enjoyed unparalleled success in recent years – the Weber State Wildcats. Being a member of the Big Sky Conference since 1963, the Wildcats have been to the FCS Playoffs five times since 2016, with a semifinals appearance in 2019. That success has been a boon for Weber State, and it’s lead to an increase in attendance at its home field, Stewart Stadium. Food & Beverage 4 One of the things Weber State does well is having local food trucks on hand at both ends of the stadium. Food choices range from Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Pizza to desserts like Churros and Snow Cones (depending on the time of year). This gives the feel of a normal college town and it’s great to see schools like Weber State help support local businesses, as they can be essential to college towns as a whole. The prices for these concessions aren’t all that different from what you would pay at a professional sporting event, and there are combos available as well that can help save money, such as Hot Dog Combos ($8) and Popcorn Combos ($7) to name a few. And all the food is cooked on-site, meaning the quality is very high and you get it fresh. Atmosphere 4 When it comes to the atmosphere at the game, it does have a family-friendly feel, which is normal for a lot of college towns. But here, it feels a lot more intimate due to the way Weber State is situated in the college football landscape. Location-wise, Stewart Stadium is nestled right against the Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah, which is a great backdrop during late summer and early fall, but even more so during the winter months with a fresh coating of snow. The stadium has recently undergone renovations, including the addition of a brand new entrance and ticket will call on the north end of the stadium, along with a new Strength and Conditioning Complex and plaza for guests. Stewart Stadium Conditioning Center & Ticket Will Call, Photo by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey The West end of the stadium features the Sky Suites and Press Box section. Completed in 2001, this building houses 26 Suites featuring club seating and is only used by season ticket holders. The main seats in the stadium are bleacher seats, so be sure to bring something comfortable to sit on, especially during the winter months. Neighborhood 5 The stadium itself has many redeeming qualities, but one of its biggest is its location and views. The stadium is located on the eastern end of the campus, which overlooks both the campus and the city of Ogden and the surrounding valley. Getting around campus is easy, as there are many walking paths and tons of signage to help point you in the right direction. Not to mention that the stadium is located along the Wasatch Mountains, meaning it’s a haven for any outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also not far from many well-known places in Ogden, including Historic 25th Street , home to numerous shops and restaurants. Two recommended places to eat are Slackwater Pizzeria and Roosters Brewing, both of which have high reviews from locals. The football stadium is also close to Lindquist Field , home of the Ogden Raptors Baseball team. You’re close to outdoor areas where you can bike and hike during the summer, and ski and snowboard during the winter. Stewart Stadium Wasatch Mountains, Photo by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Fans 4 With Weber State being in the FCS, it doesn’t get as much attention as it should. But that doesn’t stop the fans and alumni from coming out, either rain, snow, or sunshine. Weber State has some of the most passionate fans in the FCS and they travel well, even when the Wildcats are out of state. When you’re there, it’s hard to miss the sea of purple and black that fills the stadium. And don’t let the small size of the stadium fool you. When it’s clutch time, the stadium gets loud. Very loud. Weber State may not have the stature of a big-name school, but don’t let the fans and alumni say that. Access 4 The city of Ogden is located directly off of I-15, meaning the city itself is fairly easy to get to. You will have to traverse some residential areas to get to the campus itself, but it’s not that difficult to find. You can get to the campus either by Interstate 15 or U.S. Highway 89, which cuts through the heart of the city. For parking, there are numerous areas to park in and around the stadium and campus, and parking areas are clearly marked on game day. If you’re taking public transit, there are four bus routes the Utah Transit Authority operates between Salt Lake City and Ogden. UTA also operates the FrontRunner commuter train, which runs between Ogden and Provo, and runs every 30 minutes. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are very cheap for Weber State Football, and there is no bad seat in the stadium. Most ticket prices fall between $10 and $20, making it very affordable if you want to take your family to a game. Concession prices are also within the normal range, so it won’t feel like you are spending too much at a game. Extras 2 One point here for the Wildcats mascot, Waldo the Wildcat. He is definitely one of the more energetic college mascots I’ve seen and does a good job keeping the crowd in the game. He seems very approachable and family-friendly as well. Another point for the location. With the stadium so close to outdoor recreation areas, it is a good school for anyone looking to take part in outdoor activities either while visiting or not in class. Final Thoughts Although not a big FBS school, visiting a Weber State football game and the town of Ogden in the fall and winter is an affordable family-friendly experience. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Wasatch Mountains and all the outdoor activities it provides when in town.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Meares Stadium 220 Cascade St Mars Hill, NC 28754 Mars Hill Lions website Meares Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 5,000 D2’s Mars Hill Lions Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ammons Family Athletic Center & Meares Stadium was constructed in 1965 and most recently upgraded in 2020, when new turf and new lights were installed. Prior to that in 2007, a new press box, permanent visitors stands, and updated main stands were introduced. Meares Stadium is named after Carl Whittier Meares, an alumnus, trustee, and benefactor at Mars Hill, as well as a legislator and businessperson in the local community. The stadium currently seats 5,000 and the Mars Hill Lions currently compete in the South Atlantic Conference of the NCAA’s Division II football program. Food & Beverage 4 Meares Stadium has a fixed concessions stand behind the southwest end zone (near the main entrance) which features Bojangles chicken sandwiches, nachos, pizza, and popcorn/chips/candy for $2 to $5, plus drinks for $3 (bottled soda or water plus hot cocoa/cappuccino). But a much wider selection can be found at the Southern Cross food truck behind the northeast end zone, including soup and cornbread, burgers, hot dogs, fried bologna sandwiches, fried potatoes, fried pickles, French fries, and even banana pudding – the prices at Southern Cross are higher than at the main stand, but the portion sizes are much bigger as well – I recommend Southern Cross over the main stand, as the Bojangles chicken sandwiches tend to be a little dry after being stored in a hotbox for a couple hours. Meares Stadium Concessions, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 Meares Stadium has a solid atmosphere – though not a big facility it does have a modern press box and relatively new grandstands, and you are free to sit wherever you want, and can walk all the way around the facility if you want, to see the action up close as the game progresses. In fact, you can stand just a few feet away from the players as the team enters and exits the field. Mars Hill also has a mascot who walks around during the game (although oddly he seems to depart at the end of the third quarter), and a cheer squad complete with flags that they run across the field after scores, but no marching band. Also the scoreboard is not a videoboard, so you are not able to watch replays. On the plus side the PA announcer plays great music throughout the game, including dance songs and hits from my second-favorite band Bowling for Soup, which I haven’t ever heard played at other stadiums. Neighborhood 4 Mars Hill is a small town, but not far from I-26 so there are plenty of restaurants, hotels, etc. in the area, and it isn’t hard to go up the freeway an exit or two to find more if you need something specific. A few local favorites in the restaurant category include Wagon Wheel, Stackhouse, and Original Papa Nick’s Take Out, while not far from campus is a Comfort Inn if you plan to stay the night. The obvious tourist attraction around here is of course the Blue Ridge Mountains, with plenty of hiking and driving trails, including a few nice waterfalls, and of course if you want to drive 20 miles south into Asheville you can visit Biltmore. Fans 3 Meares Stadium has a solid fanbase, and you can see plenty of blue being worn at the venue – gear is sold from a stand behind the southwest end zone if you need to pick up something. The visitor stands are a little less populated, but that is probably because the seats on the main side are a bit nicer, and the tickets don’t have any specific section assigned so you can sit wherever you want – in fact plenty of fans just stand behind the southwest end zone and watch from there. While the stands are by no means full, the crowd is polite and respectful, and there is a good amount of crowd noise during big plays. Access 4 It would be hard to find a venue which is easier to get in and out of than Meares Stadium – the only potential drawback is you might have to walk down a small hill to get to the stadium, as a lot of the free parking sits above the stadium (or you can walk along the road, but down the hill is the direct route). A lot of fans just park along a winding road south of the stadium, but since you can park there for free it is hard to complain. Also there is very little traffic in the area, which is another plus. Once you get into the stadium itself there is plenty of room to move around and very short lines at the concessions, especially if you walk across to Southern Cross, which has no line at times. The only bathrooms are near the main gate, however, so be aware of that. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Mars Hill football are $15 – they only accept cash at the door, but you can buy online by purchasing in advance or by using your phone to scan a QR code, which is posted on a sign as you walk up to the main gate. A visit here is definitely well worth the price given the beautiful setting, ease of access, free parking, and low-cost concessions options. Extras 3 One cool tradition at Mars Hill football is the small mountain lion statue behind the southwest end zone, which the players touch for luck as they go onto the field – you are welcome to touch it yourself or take a selfie with it, something you can’t do at larger stadiums. Touching the Lion, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey

Photos by Harrison Huntley, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Brooks Field Riegel Rd Wilmington, NC 28403 UNC Wilmington Seahawks website Brooks Field website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 3,000 UNCW's Diamond Hawks Brooks Field brings along an interesting story. Home to the UNCW Seahawks since its opening in 1957, it has also hosted two separate minor-league baseball teams. Two teams tried their hand at placing a team in North Carolina's port city, yet both were forced to fold shortly after their arrival due to the lack of a stadium. The Seahawks are the constant in all of this and they continue working on their goal to reach Omaha. While their stadium is fine for the previous standards, but to reach the level of a consistent contender, the overall stadium experience falls just a bit short. Food & Beverage 3 The park's concession stand is located behind the first base bleachers. The spread is pretty standard: pizza, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, and other snacks. Coca-Cola sponsors the Seahawks and beverages can be purchased in 20 ounce cups. Most notably, there are three combo options that can really save you money. Be sure to take advantage of those if you buy concessions at the park. Atmosphere 3 UNCW games are a no-frills baseball experience with an absence of on-field activities and contests. The seats are either plastic seats or metal benches. The PA system has an echo on either side which gets a little troubling, but it's not too bad. Overall, there is nothing that really stands out from the experience. Neighborhood 4 While the campus may not be in downtown Wilmington, businesses, hotels, and restaurants have flocked to the area and created a college town neighborhood. One of my personal favorites is Two Guys Grille. Two Guys is a beach themed restaurant featuring American cuisine. Famous for their Philly Cheesesteaks, Two Guys offers salads, burgers, and other sandwiches. There are many more local and chain restaurants in the immediate neighborhood, and also in downtown Wilmington. The city is home to a lively downtown area with many shops and restaurants. Fans 3 Most of the fans are family and friends of the players and that is not at all a bad thing. It does, however, mean that they are much more controlled in their cheering. There are few traditions or chants to be heard. They know all the players by first name and are always supportive. Access 3 Finding the campus of UNCW couldn't be easier. Interstate 40 becomes College Road which runs right along campus. The problem is once you are on campus, you must navigate the maze of campus roads to find the stadium. Once at the stadium, there is ample parking along the intramural fields. Restrooms can be found below the press box behind home plate. They are a bit cramped, but accessible. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $7 for reserved seating behind home plate and $5 for general admission elsewhere. If you must have a chair back, then opt for the $7 tickets. The general admission seats are metal benches and if that doesn't bother you, then you can save a couple of bucks. The food is reasonably priced (especially considering the combos) and parking is free, so no complaints there. Extras 2 The historical markers around the stadium present a nice nod to previous teams and the success they enjoyed. I give another point for the kindness of the staff. Everyone I talked with was very friendly and willing to help with anything I needed. Final Thoughts If you are simply a fan of the game and enjoy baseball without distractions, then this would be a good field to visit. The Seahawks continue to improve their on-field product and have begun to consistently reach the NCAA tournament. Hopefully in time, they will improve the fan experience. The current atmosphere is not a bad one by any means, but considering other programs in the state, it probably could be better.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Wilson Field 100 Stadium Spur Lexington, VA 24450 Washington & Lee Generals website Wilson Field website Year Opened: 1900 Capacity: 4,000 Generals in the House Wilson Field has been home to Washington & Lee athletics teams since it opened in 1900, but has been renovated multiple times since then, most recently in 2008. The stadium is named after William L. Wilson, the 10th president of the University, who passed away the same year the stadium opened. Parts of the stadium were funded by the Cadaver Society, a quasi-secret society on campus which is known for giving large amounts of money to the school, as well as using secret tunnels to travel from place to place around campus. Food & Beverage 2 Wilson Field has two concessions stands beneath the press box on the home side, but only one is open for most events. The menu is very limited, but the prices are low and they do offer free water, via plastic cups and a water dispenser next to the concessions window. The concessions menu includes hot dogs or pretzels for $5, chips, candy, or a cheese cup for $2, and drinks for $3 (Coke products, hot cocoa, and coffee). Atmosphere 2 Wilson Field has a track around the playing surface, with the press box and home stands on the west side, and a smaller set of stands on the east side for visitors – the total capacity is around 4,000. There is also a mostly static scoreboard (there is video in the center section which only displays team logos) behind the south end zone, and tailgating set up on the east side of the field instead of in the parking lots, so you can easily watch the game while you tailgate. Washington & Lee does have a cheerleading squad, but it was raining during my most recent visit, so the cheerleaders were not on the field due to safety concerns. Wilson Field Visitor Stands, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Because of the rain attendance was pretty sparse the last time I was there, but the Generals do get more of a crowd at Wilson Field for most games. Note that there are a few grey chairback seats in the top middle section of the home stands, and also on the visitors side, if you would rather sit in those than on the bleachers. Neighborhood 3 Lexington is a small, conservative college town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, which Washington & Lee shares with the FCS’ Virginia Military Institute (the two schools abut each other, but depending on which way you drive in you may not even see the other schools’ buildings). The town only has a population of seven thousand, and is known by some as Lex Vegas. There are several restaurants near Washington & Lee’s campus – Bistro on Main is a great choice, with a menu that includes southern dishes such as gumbo or shrimp and grits, but also some farm-to-table type items. During the pandemic the restaurant limited its hours and still has not fully recovered in terms of capacity, so be sure to check its hours if you want to visit. Or if you happen to be a Star Trek fan (and who isn’t), check out Beameup BBQ & Café (the owner’s name is Scotty); this is a fantastic place to get a bite, but also has limited hours as they do a lot of catering – check their Facebook page to see what days they are open. Besides food, like much of the state Lexington is a hotbed for military history, and there are several attractions of this type in the area. First is the Stonewall Jackson House , where the famed Confederate general resided prior to the Civil War. You can also visit the gravesite of Robert E. Lee, inside University Chapel on Washington & Lee’s campus (Lee served as president of the school after the Civil War, after which time his name was added to Washington’s in the school’s name); the Virginia Museum of the Civil War is also nearby. Fans 2 As mentioned there were not very many fans in attendance on my most recent visit, due to the rain, but I was impressed by the number wearing Generals blue, and also by how many showed up at all in the cold, wet weather. Access 4 Wilson Field is easy to get to and easy to move around – not far from I-81 and I-64, you can park for free within a short walk of the stadium, either in a parking deck on the south side behind the tennis courts, or in surface lots to the northeast. There are plenty of bathrooms on the concourse, and even small tables with chairs which you can use to sit and eat while watching the game. Return on Investment 5 Attendance is free at Washington & Lee football games – tickets are not even sold. Adding in the free parking and low-cost concessions, this is as cheap a sporting event to take family or friends to as you will ever find. Extras 2 A plus for the military history in the area, and another plus for the beautiful scenery – the field is surrounded by lots of trees and plenty of greenery, so is a great place to get away from it all.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 V. Earl Dickinson Stadium Hanover Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Mary Washington Eagles website V. Earl Dickinson Stadium website Fly Like an Eagle Located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the University of Mary Washington plays its baseball games at V. Earl Dickinson Stadium within the Battleground Athletic Complex. Located just off campus, the Battleground is home to several of the Eagles' athletic teams. In addition to baseball, there are facilities here for UMW's soccer , field hockey, lacrosse, track & field, and softball teams. Food & Beverage 0 According to the UMW website, there is a concession stand at V. Earl Dickinson Stadium, and there is a window behind home plate by the stairs to the seating area that could plausibly have one. However, the window was closed when Stadium Journey visited and it is unclear if it is ever open. Atmosphere 2 V. Earl Dickinson Stadium has several sections of bleacher seating, accessible via stairways and ramps through a brick exterior facade. All seats are behind netting but otherwise offer excellent views of the action. A scoreboard in the outfield shows a linescore and other basic information. A UMW baseball game is a pretty basic experience. Music is played during some breaks in the action, but is quiet and unintrusive. Most of the music is the standard ballpark background music, but the decision to play some pregame British sea chanteys over the PA system (on St. Patrick's Day, of all days) was certainly an interesting choice. Neighborhood 4 The Battleground Athletic Complex, of which V. Earl Dickinson Stadium is a part, is located just off I-95 in Fredericksburg. It is in a residential area near the UMW campus, but if you head back towards Route 3, you will find many options. The Metro Diner is a local favorite, and Cook Out serves up burgers and more at a great value. There are many other options up and down Route 3 from Mexican to Salvadoran to Thai to Mediterranean cuisine. However, you may have to drive a bit to get there. Fans 3 The University of Mary Washington draws a typical crowd for Division III baseball. Most of the fans are friends and family of the players, alumni, or others with some connection to the university. You will usually see a good number of visiting fans as well, who will probably fall into one of the aforementioned categories. The crowd here is pretty casual, cheering big plays but otherwise are not particularly involved. Access 4 V. Earl Dickinson Stadium is just off I-95 in Fredericksburg, so it is easy to get to. However, keep in mind the portion of I-95 between Washington and Fredericksburg is one of the most congested stretches of highway in the nation, so allot extra time. The extension of the Express Lanes to Fredericksburg will help alleviate traffic if they are running southbound at the time of your trip, but if you want to use them to speed by traffic, expect to pay a massive toll unless you have at least three people in your vehicle and the EZ-Pass Flex transponder set in the right mode. Once at the Battleground, free parking is available in a lot in the back of the complex or a smaller one by the entrance. The latter one will put you closer to the stadium but may fill up quickly with game personnel. You should have no problem parking in the back lot, as it never fills up, but you will have to walk a few minutes down a gravel hill to the stadium. Restrooms are located behind the grandstand. They are small, but as there are very few fans who show up, they are of a sufficient size. Keep in mind the players do not have their own restroom, so if you are using the men's room, you may encounter them in there and will want to yield to them so they can get back to the field quickly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all UMW baseball games, with the possible exception of conference and NCAA tournament games, is free. Parking is also free, so you won't pay anything to attend. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 0 There are no real extras here. This is baseball at its most basic level. Final Thoughts V. Earl Dickinson Stadium is a modern ballpark and baseball fans in the Fredericksburg area or with some connection to the University of Mary Washington may want to check out a game here.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Centre Marcel Dionne 300 rue Cockburn Drummondville, QC J2C 4L6 Drummondville Voltigeurs website Centre Marcel Dionne website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 4,000 Allez Voltigeurs! On the south shore of Quebec, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, lies the city of Drummondville. With a modest population of 70,000, Drummondville captures the essence of Quebec hockey. The pride of Drummondville includes their junior hockey team, the Voltigueurs, and their favorite son, Marcel Dionne. Dionne was both infamous and the second most-famous Los Angeles King (behind only Wayne Gretzky), and arguably the player that gave the most to the franchise. As part of the Triple Crown Line, Dionne was a staple of the Kings, and regularly finds time to return to his hometown of Drummondville. The Voltigeurs are the second incarnation of major junior hockey in Drummondville. An expansion team in 1982, the Voltigeurs are named after a Quebec-based regiment that fought the Americans in the War of 1812. They followed the original QMJHL team, the Drummondville Rangers, which played from 1969 to 1974. Currently owned by Jean-Guy Rene, Roger Dubois, and Michel Parizeau, the Voltigeurs have enjoyed moderate success, making it to the Memorial Cup 3 times, and winning the President’s Trophy as the top team in the QMJHL in 2009. Their most famous alumni include NHL greats Steve Duschene and Daniel Briere. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at the Centre Marcel Dionne are very ordinary. You are only going to find staple products that you would find in any arena, including hot dogs, popcorn, soda and nachos. There are only a couple of concession stands, and there are numerous vending machines to compliment those stands. The featured sodas are Pepsi products, and the beer available is Molson Export and Coors Light. Prices are decent, but a lack of variety is evident. Atmosphere 4 Centre Marcel Dionne is one of those arenas that sends you back in time. It has the feel of a community arena where your own kids would play house league hockey. The exterior is nothing spectacular, and could easily be driven right past without even noticing it. Once inside that community feel takes over. There is not much standing room where the ticket windows are. There is an opportunity to visit with the local early-birds or check out the various displays, including the large Marcel Dionne display. Once inside, the seating bowl looks like it is from another time. The seating bowl is small and steep, offering fantastic sightlines. The arena features wooden seats, which although are not the most comfortable, are terribly historic. The scoreboard is simple with a 4 sided projected video screen. Above the ice surface you will find the retired numbers of great Voltigeurs of the past including Steve Duschene, Ian Laperriere, Denis Gauthier, Steve Chartrand, Rene Corbet and Daniel Briere. At the far end of the arena you will find the modest banners from successful Voltigeur seasons, including the 2009 President’s Trophy banners. Throughout the arena there are various photos showcasing the hometown team. One of the more unique features of Centre Marcel Dionne is the giant Voltiguer banner which drops and shakes at key moments. Very simple, yet very unique. Neighborhood 2 The Centre Marcel Dionne is a community arena, located in a suburban area. There are not a ton of options in the immediate area for pre and post-game fare. Within a couple of minutes in the car you will find some recognizable chains, including Boston Pizza, East Side Marios and Quebec rotisserie chicken chain, St.Hubert. Fans 4 The Noise!! Drummondville fans are extremely loud! This is probably the only place that I have been that has not banned air horns. The air horn is a favourite of the Drummondville fan, and they use them liberally! The fans that we met were very friendly and accommodating. They were willing to talk about their beloved hometown team and the prospects that the Voltigeurs would have in the upcoming playoffs. The attendance at Voltigeur games is a bit of a disappointment, as they average just under 2,500 for the season, putting them in the bottom third of the league. Access 3 Getting to the arena is not too difficult as it is located just north of Boul St.Joseph, a couple of kilometres from the Trans Canada Highway. There is some parking on site that is free of charge if you are early enough. Once inside, however the concourses around the outside of the seating bowl do not encircle the arena, and are extremely narrow. Washroom facilities are also not the greatest. Return on Investment 5 It is ridiculous what a great deal a Voltigeurs game is. Top level junior hockey combined with free parking, good concession prices and unreal ticket prices equals great value. This is absolutely family entertainment. Voltigeur tickets go for $15 each, with seats for children going for a ridiculous $6. Unbelievable! Extras 2 An extra mark for the waving banner. Very unique! An extra mark for that hometown feel to a Voltigeurs game. Final Thoughts A trip through the QMJHL will find Drummondville as one of the solid francophone franchises. It’s worth the trip to see an arena that is from a different time, and a great group of fans who know how to be loud.

Photo courtesy of NCA&T Aggies Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 World War Memorial Stadium 510 Yanceyville St Greensboro, NC 27405 North Carolina A&T Aggies website World War Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 7,500 Faded Glory Baseball fans in North Carolina's Triad region have come to know and love NewBridge Bank Park, the home of the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the Florida Marlins' affiliate in the class-A South Atlantic League. The Grasshoppers are routinely at or near the top of the circuit in attendance, as the relatively-new downtown park continues to be a success. The true hub of baseball history in the Gate City, though, is just over a mile away, at the intersection of Lindsay and Yanceyville Streets. World War Memorial Stadium served as the host for Greensboro baseball for nearly 75 years, before the Bats relocated and became the Grasshoppers. Opened and dedicated in 1926, the ballpark serves to honor residents of Guilford County who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I. Plaques with the names of those who fell are just outside the entrance to the stadium. Astute fans may also notice the stadium's star turn as the origin of a road trip in the movie Bull Durham. World War Memorial Stadium is the oldest athletic facility still in operation in the Tar Heel State, and it is, unfortunately, really showing its age. The park is owned by the city's sports commission and rented to North Carolina A&T and Greensboro College, and it has, of late, somewhat fallen into a state of disrepair. A section of seating on the third base side now sits behind a fence, rumored to soon be demolished. Many of the girders around the park now sport a primary hue of rust, with peeling paint and overgrowth of vegetation common sights in many areas. Despite the obvious signs of age and neglect, this stadium still tells the story of the last 80-plus years of baseball in Greensboro, for all who are willing to listen. Food & Beverage 3 There is a rather solid selection of foods at an Aggie baseball game. Hot dogs ($2), pizza ($3), nachos ($3.50) and cheeseburgers ($3.50) highlight the "entree" choices. Pork chops were also being sold on the day I attended, with a grill being manned in the breezeway between the entry gate and the concession stand. This gave the feeling of being at a cookout with friends or family. Snacks include cheese crackers ($.50), candy ($1.25), chips ($.75), peanuts ($3), pickles ($1), popcorn ($1.50), sunflower seeds ($1), gum ($.05) and ice cream ($1.50). Candy bars, Skittles (three different flavors) and Air Heads are among the candy choices. Drinks are Pepsi products, with bottled soda and Gatorade available for $2. Water, coffee and hot chocolate are $1 each. Atmosphere 3 Though signs of decay are evident in many parts of the stadium, the playing surface shows none of these problems. The field is beautifully maintained, with bright green grass. This is one of the clear highlights of the facility, along with the covered seating behind the plate. This is great for shielding out the North Carolina elements. World War Memorial Stadium presents a truly comfortable environment in which to watch a game, at the very least. There is no concern whatsoever with leg room in any part of the seating bowl, as there is almost enough room between your seat and the seat in front of you to insert another row of seats. This is a tremendous feature for tall spectators like myself, allowing the luxury to stretch out and enjoy a game. Many of the seats in the lower portion of the seating bowl are fold-out stadium seats, with backless bleacher seating toward the top of the bowl. There is not likely to be a situation in which you cannot get a fold-out seat, but be sure to bring a wet cloth or two to clean the traditional North Carolina spring pollen off your seat before you sit down. There are a number of speakers hanging from the top of the backstop, but they are not in use for North Carolina A&T games. Two portable speakers are mounted on stands outside the press box, and they can be loud enough to drown out conversation. The musical selection between innings is lively and diverse, though there are quite a few sound effects played between pitches, much like at Grasshoppers games. The lack of quiet does help offer a feeling that the game is moving along at a swift pace, though, which is nice. The scoreboard is located in right-center field, and offers very little in terms of visual interest. The scoreboard is a basic structure with red numbers on a black background, flanked by "GUEST" and "HOME" and the game's line score. The number of the player at bat, a ball/strike/out count and a hit or error indicator compose the top row of the board. The red lights of the board can be a bit tough to read for afternoon games, but the public address announcer does a great job of recapping each half-inning's activity and current game score. Neighborhood 1 North Carolina A&T's campus is a short distance away from the stadium, and this already-beautiful campus is looking to expand. Unfortunately, this is the only real area of note to hang out before or after a game. Planned ballpark districts were not really a "thing" in the mid-1920s, as one might imagine. The ballpark is part of the historic Aycock neighborhood, but is largely residential, save for a farmers market across the street. Interestingly enough, most of the dining and entertainment options are in the vicinity of the downtown ballpark that replaced World War Memorial Stadium. These choices will likely require a car, though, as walking to the downtown area is not all that feasible, due to both distance and the condition of some of the areas between the park and downtown. Triad favorite Natty Greene's is a choice of the locals, and for those who like local beers, this is a great place to give one a try. Undercurrent and Fincastle's are two other choices that seem to resonate with fans at Grasshoppers games, though even a few choices in the vicinity of an A&T game would be preferable. Fans 3 Your chances of encountering a sellout crowd at an Aggie game are virtually nonexistent, but this does not mean that you will encounter a sleepy group of fans. Though small in numbers, those in attendance certainly love their Aggies. The crowd certainly sounds larger than it is, and some heckling (playful in nature, not personal) does occasionally take place. Some hearty fans had even made the long trip from Tallahassee-based Florida A&M on the day I took in a game. If you go to a North Carolina A&T game, expect to see a lot of blue and gold, along with "The Lock" (the interlocking "AT" logo). There was a contest during the game I attended that awarded a prize to the first fan to bring an A&T logo item to the press box, and a number of fans ran toward the press box almost as soon as the announcement was complete. Access 4 The stadium is in a reasonably advantageous position for travelers in and around Greensboro. The park is within minutes of US HIghways 29, 70 and 220, along with Interstates 40 and 85. Two parking lots directly surround the stadium, with a small surface lot directly outside the entrance and a blacktop lot beyond the right field fence. The parking is completely free, and the walk from either lot is rather short. As with many ballparks from this era, the main concourse is under the seating bowl. This makes the concourse area somewhat narrow and dark. The city also keeps a group of replacement seat pieces on the concourse, which serves to further clutter the area. The restrooms are rather old, as one would expect, but there are plenty of available stalls (I counted ten in the male restroom) and quasi-modern upgrades. You should never experience a line while waiting to use the restroom. Return on Investment 5 Free is an impossible price to beat, and admission to Aggie games will not cost you a dime. I was somewhat thrown by the presence of an unmanned ticket booth, only to be told -- by a very nice gentleman, I should add -- that admission was free. It is wise to have some cash with you just in case, especially considering the low concession prices. With the admission and parking charge -- or lack thereof -- you can see a game, park your car and get a hot dog and drink for $4. This is as good a value as you will find anywhere in college sports. Extras 2 A small program-like "document" is available at the concession stand. This document contains a team photo, rosters for both teams and a score sheet. This may not be a full program, but it certainly provides a good amount of information. The people of North Carolina A&T also deserve extra notice. Every stadium worker and fan with whom I came into contact was supremely nice, going out of their way to make those in attendance feel welcome. Customer service is the easiest thing to get right when hosting events, and A&T certainly does just that. Final Thoughts A trip to War Memorial Stadium is both enlightening and heartbreaking. If you are a fan of historic venues, this is an absolute must-see facility. The simple thought of all of the events that have taken place inside the stadium is enough to bring out the nostalgic side in anyone. At the same time, the knowledge of this venue's history makes the current state of the facility that much more upsetting. The stadium's run-down appearance is by no means the fault of those at North Carolina A&T -- it is important that this be stressed -- but it deserves a much better fate than that which has happened to it. There are talks in the city now about how to renovate the stadium as part of a larger revitalization project, and the hope is that this eventually comes to fruition. A few coats of paint and some care could easily restore this beauty to her former majesty.

After months of persistent rumours, it has finally been confirmed that Melbourne will host the first ever NHL games to be played in the southern hemisphere. The Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings will make the long trip down under for a two-game preseason series in September later this year. The Global Series Melbourne 2023 is being supported by the Victorian State Government who rightly proclaim Melbourne to be the sports capital of Australia, and indeed one of the great sports and entertainment cities of the world. A temporary ice rink will be constructed within Rod Laver Arena, better known for its role as centre court for the Australian Open Tennis tournament held each January. The retractable roof will remain closed. Rod Laver Arena has proven itself as a world-class multi-sport stadium having previously hosted professional basketball, netball, the World Swimming Championships in 2007, and Commonwealth Games gymnastics in 2006 – in addition to being Melbourne’s premier major concert venue. The two teams will reportedly travel to Australia on September 16th, and will have several practice sessions at the O’Brien Icehouse (home to Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs of the Australian Ice Hockey League) before games on Saturday September 23 and Sunday September 24. Rod Laver Arena originally opened in 1988 but received a major renovation in 1995. Capacity is around 14,000 however this may be impacted by the construction of the rink, which will be similar logistically to an outdoor game. The build will take 12 days with equipment to be shipped to Melbourne from Toronto via Vancouver. Tickets will be available via Ticketek and are expected to be in high demand.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 AT&T Stadium 925 N Collins St Arlington, TX 76011 Dallas Cowboys website AT&T Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 80,000 Dallas Cowboys: AT&T Stadium AT&T Stadium is the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and is in Arlington, Texas, in the heart of the DFW Metroplex between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. AT&T Stadium opened on May 27, 2009, when country singer and Texas’ own George Strait performed in front of 60,188 fans. A few months later on September 20th (4 years to the day after ground was broken at the stadium), the Cowboys played their first regular season game versus the New York Giants – the attendance on this historic night was 105,121. Although AT&T Stadium’s listed capacity is 80,000 people, the standing room only areas on the east and west side, referred to as Party Passes (available for $50), give the facility the potential to hold up to 105,000. AT&T Stadium is one of the premier stadiums in the world, breaking numerous attendance records. Besides being home to the Dallas Cowboys, the stadium has hosted events such as Super Bowl XLV, the NBA All-Star game, the NCAA Final Four, the Big 12 Conference Football Championship, the annual AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic, the Academy of Country Music Awards, the UIL Texas state high school football championships, WrestleMania XXXII, and WrestleMania XXXVIII Food & Beverage 5 AT&T Stadium’s incredible catering is handled by Legends Corporation, which comes through with a few unique items – although the prices are high the tastes are incredible. Some of their unique dishes are chicken waffle sandwiches, Kobe burgers dressed up with either green chiles or BBQ, catfish po-boy sandwiches, prime rib sandwiches, and Frito pie. All of these are outstanding choices, but the high prices may deter some fans from purchasing them. Beside these unique items, AT&T Stadium offers classic fare such as ultimate nachos, jalapeño and cheese sausages, Nathan’s hot dogs, pretzels, refillable popcorn, and peanuts. The venue does cater to a healthier lifestyle as well, with choices including gluten-free turkey sandwiches, vegetarian black bean burgers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit cups, and whole dill pickles. The venue also serves Pepsi and Dr Pepper products. Miller Lite is a main sponsor of the Dallas Cowboys, so throughout the stadium Miller Lite and Coors are sold at the price of $10. In addition, Shiner Bock, Dos Equis, MGD 64, and Blue Moon are sold for $12, and if you have club seats you will have the same variety of beer along with mixed drinks. The stadium does serve wine in all club bars, including the four upper concourse bars and at the portable beer carts. However, the most popular alcoholic drink seems to be the Cowboy Rita (a frozen margarita) for $20. There is plenty of food around the stadium, however, as with other sport venues the real eating should be done at tailgates or at outside restaurants to save Legends Corporation from eating your wallet. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at AT&T Stadium is alive and electric and begins hours before kickoff when the tailgaters enter the parking areas. Since tailgating is limited to designated areas, space is hard to come by, so plan accordingly if you want to participate. But the atmosphere is friendly and festive no matter which team colors you are wearing – the Cowboys provide pre-game entertainment beginning two hours before kickoff, with two stages located at AT&T Plaza (east side of the stadium) and at Miller Lite Plaza (west side). Other pre-game entertainment features the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, the Dallas Cowboys Drum Line along with the Rhythm & Blues Dancers, and portable bars and food trucks. The countdown to kickoff begins with an appearance by Rowdy, the Cowboys mascot, riding a motorcycle down the sideline. The attention then quickly turns to the entrance of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders from the corner tunnels on the west side of the stadium – the cheerleaders then take center stage and perform to AC-DC’s Thunderstruck, ending their performance with the dance line performing a jump split. The performers then file into the tunnel at midfield on the Cowboys side, before re-appearing for the Dallas Cowboys’ player introductions. Both teams enter the field at the 50 yard-line through the lower club seats on opposite sides of the field – the north sideline of the stadium is the visitor’s side while the south side is for the Cowboys. The game atmosphere itself depends on what is happening on the field, but many people feel that the stadium is so amazingly large that a home field advantage just doesn’t exist – However, this isn’t from a lack of trying by Cowboys fans; the pure massiveness of this venue makes the fans seem sometimes distant from the playing field, with the fans in the 400 sections being high up and far away from the playing surface. However, the incredibly large video screen does bring the action closer for fans in the upper level. The Cowboys also offer party passes for every Cowboys home game throughout the season. The holders of these passes have access to the east and west platforms of the stadium, which is a standing room only type of access that gets the holder into the stadium, but without a seat – stadium ushers have been advised to check tickets closely because of the party pass option. Party pass holders will line up early to enter the stadium as they rush to claim their standing space, as it doesn’t take long for those areas to fill up, leaving some pass holders ending up watching the game on the large video screen. Overall, the stadium, fans, and the amazing architectural structure, with its retractable roof and doors, provides a good atmosphere to see a game. However, don’t expect to have the roof or the doors open during the game, as they are customarily kept closed due to the Texas weather. The fantastic artwork located throughout the stadium also adds an interesting touch and brings another reason any sports fan would enjoy their visit to AT&T Stadium. In addition, the facility now has its own mobile app that can provide real-time information during your game day experience. Neighborhood 3 AT&T Stadium is within reasonable walking distance of the Arlington artery of restaurants on Collins Street – there is no public transportation in the city of Arlington, so there is plenty of foot traffic going to and from these restaurants. The Tailgate Tavern (located on the other side of Walmart) is close to AT&T Stadium, but is highly overpriced, crowded, and has slow service. The better choice is to look on or across Collins Street from the stadium – there you have Fishbone Grill and Airway Burgers, along with many popular fast food and chain restaurants such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Wendy’s, Subway, etc. Another good spot in the neighborhood is Lincoln Square, an area of restaurants and shops approximately a quarter mile from AT&T Stadium on the corner of Interstate 30 and Collins Street; Lincoln Square offers Catch-A-Ride if you spend $40 (for example by buying a simple gift card), meaning parking will be free and you can ride their shuttle to and from the stadium for $5. However, due to the traffic congestion I would forget the shuttle and make the walk instead. If you prefer to be away from the congestion of Collins Street, but still want to find a couple of restaurants that would be a good pre or postgame hangout, you can visit the old downtown area of Arlington between E. Abram Street and E. Division St, only a couple of miles from AT&T Stadium. In this small area there are plenty of options such as Flying Fish, Twisted Root Beer Company, J Gilligan’s Bar and Grill, Babe’s Chicken, and Grease Monkey Burger Shop. There are also two local craft breweries to visit here as well: Legal Draft Beer Company and Division Brewing. The most popular place around AT&T Stadium’s neighborhood is Texas Live. Texas Live is a $250 million world class dining and entertainment district opened in 2018 next to Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers ) There are plenty of food and drink options inside Texas Live such as Lockhart Smoke House, PBR Texas, Pudge’s Pizza, and Troy’s, as well as the outdoor concert venue Arlington Backyard. Loews Texas Live Hotel provides a close luxury hotel besides the Sheraton-Arlington; there is construction currently going on for another Loews Hotel and parking garage across from the current hotel. AT&T Stadium is only a short distance from Globe Life Field , Six Flags over Texas, and Hurricane Harbor in an area known as the Entertainment District. For lodging, consider a stay at the Sheraton (1500 Convention Center Drive) or Courtyard by Marriott (1500 Nolan Ryan Expressway). Fans 5 Every Cowboys fan seems to have a reason why they “bleed Cowboy blue” – for some being born and raised in Texas is reason enough, while for others it might be that their hometown doesn’t have an NFL team, but television brought the Cowboys into their homes and hearts. Cowboys fans are knowledgeable, passionate, and they take every win or loss by their team very personally. Many fans seem to have traveled to Texas specifically for a Dallas Cowboys home game, because it is on their bucket list and has been a life-long dream. It is truly amazing to witness fans coming from all over the world to AT&T Stadium, just to see the star on the field and be in the presence of their extended Cowboys family. Access 3 AT&T Stadium is located about 20 minutes south of DFW International Airport, and although the facility is at the center point between Dallas and Fort Worth, there is no public transportation to or from Arlington. Therefore, transportation can become a bit expensive – an Uber/Lyft can easily cost $80 to $100 if you are staying at a downtown hotel in Dallas. Besides the cost, be prepared to wait at least an hour to be picked up – Uber/Lyft drop-offs and pick-ups are located on the west side of the stadium, off N. Collins and Cowboys Way. However, there is also a Cowboys bus that shuttles fans from downtown Fort Worth to AT&T Stadium, leaving from Vickery Park & Ride and accessed from the 200 block of W. Vickery Blvd, just south of the T&P rail station. The Dallas Cowboys have the highest average parking cost in the NFL at $75 per vehicle, so renting a car isn’t much cheaper. AT&T Stadium owns 15 parking lots with about 12,000 parking stalls, and the Texas Rangers parking lots add another 12,000 spaces, meaning the rest of the parking comes from local businesses, churches, and private homes renting out their lots, and the further away from the stadium you get the cheaper the cost. The Walmart parking lot is NOT an option, as cars will be towed. Also note that during the early part of the Cowboys schedule the Rangers are still in season, so on game days when both teams are in action parking and traffic issues will be multiplied, so be sure to leave yourself additional travel time. Various nearby hotels in the Arlington area and around DFW airport do provide free or low-cost shuttle service to AT&T Stadium. There are also a couple of hotels within walking distance of the stadium if you can book a room early, most likely as soon as the NFL schedule is released. There are ten guest entrances into AT&T Stadium, however, I recommend that you enter the stadium at the gate stated on your ticket – the main concourse of the stadium is split in half because of the premier club seating, which may prevent you from walking across to the other side, forcing you to go up to the 400 level and then back down to the main concourse. AT&T Stadium has a wide concourse, plenty of concessions stands, two large pro shops on the main concourse, and two smaller shops in the upper level for Cowboys fans to add souvenirs to their collections. The facility is also a premier venue that is fully ADA accessible, the concourses and restrooms are well kept, and there is plenty of legroom in the seating sections. The stadium security/gate procedures follow the NFL’s ‘clear bag’ policy, and it’s best to familiarize yourself with these rules ahead of time to avoid unnecessary headaches. You may want to read the policy, as many fans are sent back to their cars for not complying. Return on Investment 3 The Cowboys average ticket price is $99, below the league average of $107, according to Statista. However, I’m sure that is including the party passes – add in the highest average parking cost in the league and attending a Cowboys game can be expensive. The $50 party passes offer a way to get into the stadium, but this option doesn’t guarantee seeing the game live – the $50 ticket is standing room only located on the two end zone platforms of the stadium, and most fans on these platforms end up just watching the game on the video board because the platforms are overcrowded throughout the game. These party pass tickets are more for fans that want the feel of being at the game rather than those who really want to watch it. Nevertheless, the return on investment at AT&T Stadium can be manageable, if plans are made in advance, as ticket prices can vary based on the opponent or date of the game. The phrase, “you get what you pay for” may be the best way to describe the return on investment when attending a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium. Extras 5 AT&T Stadium has several extra elements which help push the overall game day experience over the top. First, the Cowboys do not retire jerseys to honor their past greats, as they have the Ring of Honor – the ring currently has 22 names of legends and continues to grow. This is a great extra element, to be reminded of past Cowboy greats like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Roger Staubach, and Tony Dorsett, among others. There is also a nice statue of Tom Landry near the ticket booth and pro shop. The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders also deserve a mention as one of the most prolific cheerleading organizations in any sport. These young women are not only beautiful, but are well-educated, hardworking, talented, and are truly great ambassadors for the NFL, visiting local hospitals, supporting charities, and traveling overseas to visit and support U.S. troops through their USO tours. In addition, the Dallas Cowboys art collection, located throughout the inside of the venue, features 27 different works of art from various artists. Fans can also enjoy the array of large glossy historic photographs that can be found throughout the venue, depicting some of the greatest moments in Dallas Cowboys history. AT&T Stadium also offers four different types of stadium tours – VIP guided, unguided, audio art tour, and guided art tour. The venue also opens for a limited number of days during the season for Rally Days, which offer fans the chance to take a self-guided tour, meet former Cowboys players, take pictures with the Super Bowl trophies, and enjoy appearances from the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. Final Thoughts AT&T Stadium has been the home of Dallas Cowboys football for a decade. However, the stadium continues to be a leader in providing top notch entertainment year-round. The facility is the blueprint for other new NFL venues such as Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, but AT&T Stadium is still very impressive to all fans, especially newcomers, as they walk in for the first time. There is no argument that the AT&T Stadium experience comes with a higher price than other stadiums around the NFL, However, a trip to watch a Dallas Cowboys game in the Mecca of sports venues should truly be at the top of any football fan’s bucket list.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Rhodes Field 3331 River Fields Dr Philadelphia, PA 08105 Penn Quakers website Rhodes Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 650 The Might of the Penn Tucked into the River Fields Complex between I-76 and the railroad tracks, you can find Rhodes Field, home of Penn Quakers soccer. The complex is located on the bank of the Schuylkill River and also includes Meiklejohn Stadium , home of the Quakers' baseball team, and Ellen Vagelos Field , home of Penn field hockey. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Rhodes Field. Fans are free to bring in their own. Occasionally, food and drink may be available at receptions to certain groups such as donors or alumni. If this applies to you, you will be able to register in advance. Atmosphere 5 Rhodes Field is located in an unusual urban setting. The Philadelphia skyline is visible across the field and cars zoom by on I-76 behind the bleachers. The stadium itself has a beautiful brick facade and bleacher seating for about 650 fans. A digital scoreboard is located to the left of the field that shows some team stats and also shows a pregame hype video to get the crowd fired up. The seats are all very close to the action - there is no track or anything else separating them from the field, and with only a few rows, you will be close no matter where you sit. As is often the case at soccer matches at any level, much of the energy comes from the fans (more on that later) but the team itself puts in a lot of effort too. Penn has a mascot, a costumed Quaker, who has been known to make appearances at Penn soccer games and interact with fans. Rhodes Field is always full of energy from the crowd and that really helps contribute to the atmosphere here. Neighborhood 5 Rhodes Field is located in a park next to several other Penn athletic venues in the University City Neighborhood of Philadelphia. Within a short walk, you can find numerous restaurants ranging from pizza to burgers to chicken to bars, and much more. Most of this can be found north of the stadium, as the university hospital is located directly to the south. The Schuylkill River is directly to the east, but there are plenty of options as you head west along the streets as well. The New Deck Tavern is one favorite, as are the White Dog Café and highly rated Mexican restaurant Cucina Zapata. Fans 5 Although Rhodes Field only seats 650, Penn fans fill the bleachers every game. They are loud, especially after Penn goals, but even at other points during the game it can be quite raucous and rowdy here. Penn fans are also not afraid to get on the ref's case for making what they perceive as a bad call, even if it had little impact on the game. If a Penn player gets called for a questionable offsides shortly before shooting the ball wide of the net, expect fans to boo and yell at the ref, even though the only real effect is that the ensuing free kick by the other team will be taken from a few yards further up the field. Access 3 Rhodes Field is located in the River Fields Complex and finding it can be tricky if you are not using a GPS. Even if you are using one, it can be unclear where to park. On weekends or weekdays after 2:00, the lots in the River Fields Complex are open to the public. On weekdays before 2, you can only park here with a permit, but since Rhodes Field has lights, most games on weekdays are played at night and this is not a problem. The closest lot to the stadium is by the Hollenback Annex, all the way at the back of the Rhodes Field Complex. The final portion of the road is undergoing significant construction and only one lane is open. This means that staff have to direct traffic to keep cars going into the lot, cars leaving the lot, and pedestrians walking from the lot to the stadium or vice versa from colliding with each other. It is a huge mess. If this lot fills up, which it will, there are a few spaces available by the baseball stadium, which isn't significantly further away, but if these fill up, you will have to park at the Penn Museum Garage, about a ten minute walk away, which will also be your only option on weekday afternoons. Getting from either of the lots at River Fields to the stadium involves walking down a narrow unlit road with no grass or sidewalk along the majority of the route that you can walk on. Since cars are zooming by on I-76 on the other side of the fence, you won't even hear cars when they approach on the River Fields access road, so you need to be paying careful attention as both a driver and a pedestrian. Getting from the Penn Museum Garage to the stadium involves walking down a long staircase behind the Hollenback Annex (and back up it at the end of the game) which will put you in the Hollenback lot. Just as if you parked there, you will need to walk down the chute and hope the staff successfully keep vehicular traffic out while you do so. The Penn Health SEPTA stop is a short walk away near the Penn Museum Garage, but you run into the same problem walking from here that you do walking from anywhere else. If you do drive, parking will will cost $4 per hour, up to $18 for the whole day. While Penn receives an average score for access, the fact is that they could receive a much higher score without adding any significant access, simply by improving what is already there. There is room for a sidewalk along the River Fields Access road, but instead there is a steep incline along the side that is impossible to walk on, and at many points contains rocks or other things you would not want to trip over when walking at night on an unlit road. If they simply added a sidewalk and some lighting along the road, and made it easier and safer for vehicles and pedestrians alike to get to and from the Hollenback lot, this rating would go up significantly. Return on Investment 4 Admission to Penn soccer games is free, and Rhodes Field is an outstanding venue, so the value here is good. However, the high cost to park takes this score down a notch. Extras 3 One star for the banners at Rhodes Field honoring Penn's tournament appearances. A second star for the unusual location of Rhodes Field, between a highway and railroad tracks, with cars zooming by behind you and trains passing on the other side of the field, and the Philadelphia skyline visible beyond the tracks. A third and final star for the pregame hype video that gets the crowd fired up. Final Thoughts Rhodes Field is a gorgeous college soccer stadium that fans in the Philadelphia area will definitely want to visit. While it is a bit tricky to get to, once you are here, you will not regret coming.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Agganis Arena 925 Commonwealth Ave Boston, MA 02215 Boston University Terriers hockey website Agganis Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 6,221 Beanpot University Hockey has been played at Boston University since 1917. The team is among the most successful college squads in the nation, with a resume that includes 38 NCAA Tournament appearances, 23 Frozen Fours and 5 national championships. They are also the most successful of Boston’s four Beanpot schools, having won the prestigious midseason tournament 31 times. This has led to the school being nicknamed “Beanpot University.” Agganis Arena was built in 2005 on the site of the old Commonwealth Armory. It was constructed to accommodate crowds that had grown too large for the team’s former home, Walter Brown Arena . The arena is named after “The Golden Greek,” Harry Agganis. Agganis was a star quarterback and first baseman at BU who spurned the NFL to play for the Boston Red Sox. Agganis, considered by many to be the best athlete ever to attend Boston University, died at age 26 from a massive pulmonary embolism. The rink at Agganis Arena is named for longtime Terrier coach Jack Parker, who spent 40 years as head coach of the Terriers and 47 years at the school. 92 former Terriers have made it to the National Hockey League. Ten of them have had their name engraved on the Stanley Cup. In addition, 49 Terriers have represented their countries at the Olympics, including four players from the legendary 1980 United States Olympic team. Food & Beverage 4 As is the case with most sporting venues of recent vintage, a particular emphasis is placed on having a quality and variety of concessions options. Agganis Arena is no exception. Stands are specialized in what they offer, so you may need to search around a bit to find what you want. Stands include Commonwealth Concessions (hot dogs, bratwurst, nachos), Terrier Grill (chicken fingers and french fries), North End Pizza (pizza slices, calzones, salads, clam chowder), Rhett’s Ice Cream and Terrier Town (pretzels, popcorn and snacks). In addition, there are portable carts selling Dippin’ Dots ice cream as well as a variety of snacks and beverages circling the concourse. Pepsi products are featured at Agganis Arena. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a selection of beer and wine, featuring Agganis New England style-IPA brewed by Bent Water Brewing in nearby Lowell. Atmosphere 5 At any college hockey game, much of the atmosphere is driven by the student section and band. Despite playing in a modern arena with all sorts of bells and whistles at their disposal, the Boston University game day staff let the students do the bulk of the work. The large video board and PA system are used to supplement, not replace, the noise generated by the students and pep band. Instead of relying on pre-recorded music, the band plays during most play stoppages. The student section fills up the north end zone sections and comes armed with a repertoire of chants, songs and routines designed to rattle the opposition and entertain themselves. While some of the noise coming from the student section may be a bit salty for some, there is no doubting the home ice advantage it gives the Terriers. In addition, there is enough going on at Agganis Arena to keep the casual fan. Rhett, the school’s mascot, wanders around interacting with fans. Pee-wee players take the ice during intermissions, and t-shirt tosses, trivia contests and online contests give fans chances to take home some BU gear. Neighborhood 4 Boston University is an urban campus, straddling Commonwealth Avenue for approximately a mile and a half on the Boston/Brookline border. Located across the street from Agganis Arena is Nickerson Field , home to BU’s lacrosse and soccer teams. It is also known to baseball historians as Braves Field, which was home to the National League’s Boston Braves from 1915 to 1952. Walter Brown Arena and Case Gymnasium are also located on this site. Fans coming to the BU campus will find plenty of choices for dining in the area. BU students recommend Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and El Jefe’s Taqueria, both located right next door to Agganis Arena. The neighborhood features a diverse variety of food options, with excellent Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese eateries nearby. The Paradise Rock Club, known nationally for giving bands like U2 and REM their first area shows, is located a block away from Agganis Arena. It continues to host both local acts and up-and-coming national acts. If you expand your search to beyond Agganis Arena’s immediate neighborhood, Kenmore Square and Fenway Park are just over a mile away. Not far beyond that are the tourist destinations of Copley Square, Back Bay, Boston Common and Chinatown. All are easily accessed by the Green Line, which has stops up and down Commonwealth Avenue. Fans 4 Boston University averages around 4,500 fans annually, which ranks them in the top 20 nationwide. The crowds here are a mix of locals and alumni. In hockey-mad Boston, with numerous options for the local hockey fan, BU is one of the top draws in the area. Anchoring the crowd at Agganis Arena is an excellent turnout from the student body. The students fill the sections at the north end of the arena and make enough noise to fill the barn. As a result, the rest of the crowd can be pretty laid back. They can afford to be, the kids do all the heavy lifting here. But get a traditional rival in the building for a big game, and the atmosphere ramps up accordingly. Boston University’s inclusion in the Hockey East Conference guarantees that the Terriers schedule will be filled with local teams and longtime rivals. You can expect a good turnout from visiting fans most nights. Access 3 Agganis Arena is located on the western edge of the Boston University’s urban campus, which straddles Commonwealth Avenue on the Boston/Brookline city line. The city of Boston is a difficult one to drive around in, even on the best of days. Traffic jams and construction projects are a constant nuisance, not to mention streets dating back to colonial days that are laid out in seemingly random directions. Agganis Arena is located on Commonwealth Avenue, one of Boston’s busiest streets. If driving to a BU game, your best bet for parking is the Agganis Garage located underneath the arena. There is limited on-street parking in the area. Driving directions can be found here . Stadium Journey’s recommended method to arrive at the arena is to take the subway, known in Boston as the “T.” The Green Line’s B Train stops right at the front door of the arena at both the St. Paul and Pleasant Street stops. Detailed directions can be found here . Agganis Arena features a large indoor lobby. Stairs on either end of the lobby take fans up to the concourse, which circles the entire rink. All of the facility’s concession stands, suites and rest rooms are located on the concourse, which is a bit narrow and can get crowded at peak times. Rest rooms, while numerous, are smallish. Time your trips wisely. Fans enter the steeply pitched seating bowl at the top and walk down to their seats. All seats at Agganis Arena are individual red folding stadium seats. Fans requiring accessible seating will find ample room at the top of the seating bowl, along with some limited standing room. All seats offer excellent views of the action. Return on Investment 4 BU hockey is a bit more expensive than other colleges in the area, but not outrageously so. Tickets to Terrier games cost $23, while parking in local lots and garages will run an additional $12. Concessions, while a bit on the high side, are in line with other facilities in the area. There are some ways to save a few dollars at a Terriers game. The Me Plus Three ticket package discounts tickets by 25% when you buy a block of four. There is free on-street parking available in the area for fans who are willing to search for it and walk a few blocks. To save some money and aggravation, Stadium Journey recommends taking the subway to Agganis Arena. The Green Line’s B train has stops right at the arena’s front door. A one-way fare costs only $2.75, and accesses most of the city. Check out the MBTA website for more details. Extras 5 Boston University has a notable hockey history, which they display throughout Agganis Arena. A statue of Harry Agganis stands at the main entrance. Two of the program’s most notable figures, Jack Parker and Jack Kelley, have statues inside the arena. Displays located throughout the concourse honor BU Hockey All-Americans, players and alumni who played in the NHL, those who have represented their countries in the Olympics as well as members of the BU Hockey Hall of Fame. Terrier All-Americans are also featured in murals located in the entry plaza to the concourse. Banners hang over the ice throughout Agganis Arena. National titles, conference championships, Beanpot titles, Frozen Four appearances and Hobey Baker award winners are all memorialized. The four BU players who were members of the 1980 USA “Miracle On Ice” gold medal-winning team have a banner here too. Three retired numbers are commemorated here: Harry Agganis (#33), Jack Parker (#6), and Travis Roy (#24). You may not be familiar with Travis Roy. His career lasted all of one shift, during which he fell awkwardly into the boards while trying to make a check. The fall paralyzed him. He became an outspoken advocate for spinal cord injury rehabilitation through his foundation. His book, “Eleven Seconds,” is a must-read for any sports fan. Another BU hockey alumnus is honored at Agganis Arena. The BU Players’ Suite is named in honor of Mark Bavis, class of 1993, who was aboard the plane that was crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Final Thoughts Boston is a hockey city at heart. And even though most of Boston bleeds the Bruins’ black and gold, there is a corner of the city along Commonwealth Avenue that proudly sports the red and white of the Terriers. In a city with no shortage of college hockey options, Agganis Arena offers an experience that may top them all. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Red Springs, North Carolina, will most likely never be the home of minor league baseball. The small town is 23 miles southwest of Fayetteville, smack in the middle of Interstate 95 and State Road 401. However, 55 years ago, the city was the “World's Smallest Professional Baseball Town." The town had not housed a minor league baseball team in almost twenty years. It was home to three textile mills, a weekly newspaper, a radio station, two restaurants, and no hotels. The town closed up early and was “so quiet that you could hear yourself walk.”  Why would a major league baseball team place a farm team in a town of just over 4,000 residents? Even by 1969 standards, these communities were part of minor league baseball’s past. However, it was a premonition by a baseball owner who thought it might be worth giving it another shot. The city still retained its old minor league ballpark, built in 1942 for the Red Springs Red Robins, a team in the semi-professional Twin States League. It had been built within two months under the watchful eye of Tom Cope, a leading sportsman in the county. The 2,500-seat ballpark featured two dress rooms with hot and cold showers, men's2 and women's restrooms, concession stands, a press box, and box seats. It was 300 feet to left and right field and 350 to center field. A green 9-foot fence surrounded the field, and wiring was installed with the hopes of adding lighting after the conclusion of World War II. A crowd of 1,500 was on hand to watch the Robins defeat the Second Regiment baseball team 11-4. Cope looked at his stadium with pride and quipped, "Best this section of the state." The ballpark seated 2,500 and featured a playing field among the best in the league. Lights were added to the stadium before the 1947 season when the Robins joined the Class D Tobacco State League. The club affiliated itself with Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics. Improvements on the ballpark took place the following year to make it one of the most “viable and suited Class D parks in the country.” The umpire's dressing room received new locker rooms, the team offices were refurbished, a new equipment room, a drainage system, and a new concession were installed. The ballpark received box seats from Philadelphia's Shibe Park placed at field level to increase capacity. An assemblage of 12 local businessmen formed the Red Springs Baseball Club to increase attendance to 40,000 for the 1948 season. They did not reach that goal as the high point mark in this category was in 1949 when 33,303 fans watched games at Robbins Park. However, the club did capture the 1948 and 1949 Tobacco State League championships. The Robins remained in the league until it dissolved in 1950 due to a shortage of skilled players available for service and the high costs of maintaining a professional league. Attendance in the loop dropped 25 percent, and most clubs operated at a loss. The organization would live on and join the semi-pro Eastern Carolina League for the 1951 season and then jump to the Strawberry League for a few seasons before disbanding in 1954. Jump ahead to 1969, when Matt Boykin, owner of the Wilson Tobs in the Carolina League, decided to take an innovative approach. He had lost money the past 12 seasons at Fleming Stadium and relocated his club to Red Springs, a much smaller market of around 25,000 people. It was a bold move for the Minnesota Twins affiliate in the Carolina League. Boykin was excited; he felt the small community of 4,000 people would embrace his ball club since there was nothing else to do at night. He explained in length to Sports Illustrated writer Peter Cary when he came to town in July for a story. “This is the solution to the survival of the low minors. Last year, I had to compete with two community centers, a bowling alley, two swimming pools, five movies, and a drive-in restaurant on every corner. Here, baseball is the only thing to do, and there's a bunch of little places like this with ballparks that can be fixed over. We should forget the big towns and go to the small ones.” At the time, Red Springs was the smallest town to host a professional baseball club. It was one-seventh the size of Newport News, home of the Peninsula Pilots, with a population of 134,000. However, interest from the area was strong; demand for tickets and advertising was brisk in the months before the start of the baseball season. A total of 350 season tickets were ordered for $12,000, 2,500 in program ads, and $4,000 for billboard fence ads were also secured within days of announcing the team’s arrival in town. Boykin added that people would call up and demand a sign in the outfield, but when there wasn’t any space left, they would opt for an ad in the game day program. Team manager Tom Cope, who also served as the general manager of the Red Robins during their time in Weed Loop (that is what newspapers at times referred to), helped make a lot of this happen. He sold tickets and scorecards and secured 27 businesses to place ads on the outfield walls. The old ballpark was refurbished with $10,000 from the Office of Economic Opportunity, adding extra bleachers, a new scoreboard, fresh paint, upgraded concession stands, and a new infield. In April, the city put up a hand-painted sign at the town’s entrance on Highway 71, proudly announcing it as the world's smallest professional town. A few days before the season opener, an open house drew 300 fans, sparking speculation that opening day would see a strong turnout for the Red Springs club. The new club sparked interest in surrounding communities, and a crowd of 3,000 was expected for the home opener. On opening night, 2,185 people watched the Twins lose to Kinston 3-1 in 10 innings. It was the first professional game since the 1950 season and included members of the 1913-1915 ball clubs, the first professional clubs in town. The local Robenson newspaper stated that the crowd was polite and respectful until the bottom of the ninth when many returning from their cars saw the home team tie the game at one.  Crowds continued to show up for the following games, and by the 15th game of the season, attendance had reached 12,918 fans. In comparison, the club attracted 22,400 fans in Wilson for the whole season in 1968. This was highlighted when 4,157 came out to a July contest that more than doubled the size of the town’s population. Ticket prices were 99 cents, and start times were pushed back from 7:30 to 8:00 pm to adhere to local tobacco farmers’ schedules. Many of the fans were tobacco farmers who enjoyed a relaxing night at the old ballpark after braving the hot summer heat in the tobacco fields. Cope told The (Raleigh) News and Observer why he thought crowds were high at games. “We’ve had a lot of response from surrounding towns. There was no city within a hundred miles of us with a pro team; we feel we can draw well from this whole area.” However, playing in such a small town had its downsides, primarily felt by the players. Most of them lived in an old Victorian mansion, with limited activities available within a 30-mile radius. There was only one television station that came in somewhat clearly during the day and at night; the majority of religious programs and beer had to be purchased across the county lines, and there was almost no social life for players at night. When the season was over, the ball club sported a 57-84 record and attracted 40,332 fans for 66 games, for an average of 572 fans a game. At the time, an average rate of 450 was considered good for the league, and Red Springs attracted about 17 percent of its population. They doubled the input of Burlington’s 22,000 and were almost even with Lynchburg’s number of 42,286 from a population of 54,000.  Sadly, that would be the final season for minor league baseball in Red Springs. The Minnesota Twins relocated the club to Lynchburg after the Chicago White Sox pulled out of town. Cope was surprised by the decision, according to a 1970 report in the Charlotte Observer . “The people from Minnesota gave us every indication that we were doing fine. We were not told that we were lacking in any way.” George Brophy, Minnesota’s assistant director of minor league operations, was quoted in the same article saying the reason for leaving Red Springs was that the young players didn’t like it there. “It was tough for them to find places to live, even tougher to turn something up in the afternoons, you can go down to the barbershop and watch haircuts for entertainment.” It was 13 miles across the county line to purchase beer in a can or on tap, 16 miles to the nearest motel, and the local cafe had to stay open late on game nights to serve post-game meals to both clubs. Player Danny Monzon was one of the players who seemed to enjoy his time that summer. He remembers hanging out at the local stores downtown to talk baseball with people who were true fanatics of the game. He also added that Robbins Park was a bad place to play. There was hope that the town would reach an agreement with another parent team in either the Carolina or Western Carolinas leagues, but no other organization was interested in placing a team in Red Springs. Boykin turned a profit in town and even turned down the general manager position with the Twins affiliate in Orlando. Perhaps even a few businesses felt somewhat bitter with Boykin about the club’s demise. Baseball continued at Robbins Park with Little League, Junior League, and Senior League ball. Pembroke State University of the North Carolina Collegiate Summer League used the ballpark after its playing field was turned into a parking lot in 1973. By this time, the stadium had a capacity of 2,000, and the lights were no longer in minor league condition. By the mid-1980s, the grandstand would be razed. The outline of the ball field is still visible and perhaps part of the original fencing as well. The site of baseball dating over 80 years is now called Tom Cope Memorial Park, the town’s major baseball guru who passed away in 1975. It is home to the Red Springs High School Red Devils baseball team and is considered by a few as one of the best high school fields in the state. Even if the Twins decided to remain in Red Springs, who knows how long the minor leagues would have lasted. Still, the fan and business support was strong enough that there could have been another year. It was most likely the last of its kind. If the grandstand remained, it would be prime for a franchise in the Old North State League. For one season in 1969, Red Springs was the smallest professional baseball town. A fleeting moment that resulted in blackberries growing in parts of the outfield only a year later. It has been 55 years since the Red Springs Twins walked off the field at Robins Park, but it was an interesting experiment during minor league baseball's speculative days . ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 McBride Stadium 204 NW 13th St Richmond, IN 47374 Richmond Jazz website McBride Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 3,000 Jazzing up the Summer at McBride Stadium Baseball has been played at John Cate Field at McBride Stadium since August 1936. The former gravel pit was transformed to replace Exhibition Park, which had been destroyed by a fire the previous year. McBride was first known as Municipal Stadium when it opened for American Legion baseball, funded by the Works Progress Administration. The first professional team was the Richmond Roses, who began play in 1946, the Class D affiliate of the Boston Braves. The 1947 home opener saw the Roses notch a 4-1 victory in front of 1,559 fans under cool, windy Indiana springtime weather. The club compiled a 202-220 record in three seasons and attracted 58,039 fans during the 1948 season, the highest total of any affiliated club at the stadium. In 1949 the independent Richmond Robins were established but were soon replaced after one season by the Richmond Tigers of the Ohio-Indiana League. The Detroit affiliate featured future Hall of Famer Jim Bunning, who posted a 7-8 record in his first year of pro ball in 1950. However, in December 1951, Detroit withdrew its affiliation, citing instability with the league and the scarcity of players due to the military draft. It would be 44 years before another professional minor league ball club would return to the city. McBride would continue hosting American Legion and high school baseball during the next four decades, but the years of baseball took its toll on the diamond. The playing field was uneven and in bad shape; it was recrowned thanks to efforts by Richmond High School baseball coach John Cate. He would later manage the Richmond Roosters of the Frontier League, the first professional baseball team at McBride in 43 years. The ball club would capture two league championships in 2001 and 2002. Unfortunately, the club relocated in 2006 and then replaced with the Richmond River Rats of the Prospect League in 2009. The collegiate summer league team would compete for seven years before making way for its current tenant, the Richmond Jazz of the Great Lakes Collegiate Summer League, in 2016. The 1,874-seat ballpark features a small wooden roof grandstand, original light poles, a sloping grass hill down the left field line, and plenty of memories from high school, legion, professional, and collegiate baseball of the past 80 years. From gravel pit to baseball ballpark, McBride is a hidden gem of a ballpark in Indiana. Food & Beverage 3 The stadium introduced an updated menu for the 2023 season that includes a few upgrades. Burgers come with all the fixings; brats, hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos, and fries are served with chili and cheese if desired. The team reinstated the Rowdy Roosted chicken sandwich popular during the days of the Roosters of the Frontier League. There is also a chicken club and BLT sandwich. The stadium's signature item is the Dog-a-Rita: smoked sausage, chili, shredded cheese, and Fritos. The cost is $5, and worth trying if you are an adventurous eater. It is a filling item on the concession stand at McBride Stadium. There is also an abundance of candy and frozen treats for sale. Candy bars sell for $1, boxed candy for $2, and frozen chocolate bars and ice cream are $2. Coca-Cola products cost $2 a bottle, Budweiser, Coors, and Miller products sell $4 a can, and a glass of wine is only $5. Atmosphere 3 The game-day atmosphere has been somewhat vapid the past two seasons with a lack of merchandise area, signage, and banners that use to enhance the ballpark's atmosphere. The Jazz first few seasons had a few more fans in attendance and that could depend on the night you attend during the season. The small ticket window greets customers walking up the hill from the parking lot. The two-window concession booth offers menu items from food to drink, but there does not appear to be a merchandise table at the ballpark. The entrance to the grandstand holds a bit of nostalgia as it is sunken into the field and a hill. There are roughly 14 rows of wooden and metal bleachers and plastic theater-style box seats. The wooden bleacher seats take up the majority of the seating bowl and were built in 2021. The wooden columns are a reminder of ballparks of the past and the view of the game is not interrupted by them. Down the left field line is plenty of green grass for kids to run around. The sloped area extends behind the left field wall and features a wooden deck that was once used as a picnic patio section; it’s now open to anyone who wants to watch the game from a different vantage point. There are in-between inning promotions and gimmicks, but on a much smaller scale than in previous seasons, but there is an on-field P.A. announcer who does a nice job of entertaining the crowd on hand in the stands. He speaks from the newly constructed PA booth that now sits underneath the grandstand. The Jazz does not have a mascot who parades around entertaining fans young and old. Neighborhood 2 McBride is nestled into a residential community in Clear Creek Park and it is adjacent to several little league fields. It is a type of town where one can leave their doors unlocked or take a stroll at 3 a.m. without fear. It is also a reminder of what small towns might have felt like a few decades ago when minor-league ballparks were almost everywhere. There are not many dining options within proximity of the stadium and one would need to drive a few miles to find a place to eat. Little Sheeba’s offers great pizza and baked jalapeno poppers, and Galo’s Italian Grill is another fine option. Firehouse BBQ is located in a historic firehouse, Roscoe's Coffee Bar & Tap Room allows visitors to play board games in a relaxed environment, and The Cordial Inn is classy and casual in n the Historic Depot District There are quite a bit of national chains, but one local establishment off Interstate 70 called Fricker’s has some of the best hot wings in the area. And to my beer and wine connoisseurs, there are two local brewpubs in town: New Boswell. Fans 3 The crowds have been somewhat smaller than in previous seasons, but on certain weekends and fireworks nights, the games are very well attended. The ballpark does not need to be at capacity to feel like a sellout, crowds of 1,000-1,500 could easily give the place some much-needed life. Access 3 Even though Richmond is a small town, it is easy to get lost when trying to find McBride Stadium, as there are no road signs to the ballpark from either I-70 or SR-40. The ballpark is a 10-minute drive south from I-70 but use GPS. If you are traveling on I-70: take exit 149 A Williamsburg Pike south, make a right onto Indiana Ave, then a left onto NW 13 St, and the stadium is on the left. Once arriving at the ballpark, you should be able to find a spot in the free parking lot, on the street outside the stadium's walls, or somewhere on the streets in the neighborhood. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to all Jazz games are only $6 for adults, $5 for kids, and free of charge for kids under six. The parking is free in the grass-covered parking lot and menu options, such as a hot dog for $2.50, are a great price. It is a nice price point for Great Lakes League baseball. Extras 2 McBride earns a point for the vintage light towers that loom over the field. They look as if they are as old as the stadium itself. The setting of McBride Stadium takes visitors back to another era of baseball and at one time, a typical scene in minor league baseball following World War II. Sometimes it’s nice to take a step back in time and enjoy baseball the old-fashioned way. Final Thoughts A trip to a Jazz game at McBride Stadium should not go unnoticed. It may not be for the casual fan, but depending on who you are with, it may make a nice little treat during the baseball season. In an era where million-dollar structures are opening up and trying to outshine one another, a small cozy ball field will always be a reminder that home is not too far away. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Pim Mulier Sportpark Jaap Edenlaan 7, 2024 BW Haarlem, Netherlands DSS Haarlem website Pim Mulier Sportpark website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 500 Complicated Arrangements Haarlem’s baseball history is long and complicated, and remains so to this day. The Dutch major leagues, Honkbal Hoofdklasse, work on the European football (soccer) relegation system, so teams need to qualify for the top league and stay competitive to stay there. The first Haarlem club to hit the big time was the turn-of-the-century SC Haarlem, who had great success, winning several early Holland Series championships before relegation and eventual merger with competing sportclub HHC into the Sparks (which still plays in lower leagues today). Haarlem Nicols formed in the 60s and was the next big powerhouse, setting the Holland Series victory record in the 70s and 80s that was only recently eclipsed by Rotterdam’s Neptunus. But financial mismanagement crippled the team, and it went bankrupt in 1994. Then came Kinheim, which formed in the 1930s but was only a relatively recent contender to king-of-the-hill Neptunus, but an exedous of players saw them withdraw from Honkbal Hoofdklasse in 2017. Newcomer Haarlem DSS made it to the Honkbal Hoofdklasse in 2015 and is now the only representative from Haarlem in the top league. Following so far? Since the 1960s, most Haarlem baseball teams have played at Pim Mulier Sportspark, a multi-sport athletic complex named for one of the founders of modern Dutch sport. These sportparks are usually arranged as an MLB Spring Training facility, with a main stadium and several subsidiary fields all crowded together to handle different levels of baseball and softball. The main field at the sportpark was built in 1994, the 2,500-seat Pim Mulier Stadium, one of the nicest and most modern ballparks in the Netherlands. It rises to the level of about AA US MiLB (where the league-average field is about a Rookie-level facility), and the stadium features a business area, a small museum, and a full restaurant. Due to the vagarities of club politics, Kinheim alone has the rights to play in Pim Mulier Stadium, even though they are relegated to a lower level due to the player departures in 2017. The current Honkbal Hoofdklasse team in Haarlem, DSS, must play on a lesser field in the Pim Mulier Sportspark a short distance away. Pim Mulier Sportpark gets the job done for seeing a ballgame in an easy-to-get-to location at great prices, but it does leave a lot to be desired by the physical facilities. [All prices are in Euros. At the time of writing, one Euro is worth about $1.15.] Food & Beverage 3 Nearly all the teams in Honkbal Hoofdklasse have their food and drink concessions in their clubhouse, and DSS is no exception, but their clubhouse isn’t in their tiny park, but across the pedestrian walkway near the football fields. There is a small canteen located under the small grandstand that sells snacks, but if you want anything substantial (or bathrooms for that matter), you have to walk over the main clubhouse. There’s a normal selection of Dutch sports food on offer, including hamburgers, hot dogs, frites, toasti sandwiches, and Dutch meatballs (all €5 and under). The portions are good, and the prices are unassailable. DSS serves up a good selection of suds in their clubhouse, including Jupiler and local-boy Jopen, as well as wine and spirits for €3 or less. Again, can’t argue the prices. Coca-Cola rules the non-alcoholic roost. Since you’re in Haarlem, grab a Jopen beer, brewed a short distance away. Take your pick of food, but the Dutch meatballs are worth a try, and, of course, grab some frites. Atmosphere 2 Pim Mulier Sportpark’s baseball field is the lesser of the baseball facilities in the park, but even its cramped confines let you watch a game. The field walls are all constructed out of chain link, with the exception of the small brick grandstand. Bunker-like brick dugouts sit outside the chain link fence, and fenced bullpens sit outside either outfield wall. The tight confines behind home plate hold a small grandstand of five rows of molded plastic seats, topped with a small press box. There are several fixed benches in the area looking to the field, but there are also many loose chairs that patrons use to make their own seats. There is a small elevated pavilion on the first base side with a tall table and bar chairs that have ashtrays for the local smokers (of whom there are quite a bit), and there are other tall tables scattered around for people to eat and drink. A large electric scoreboard sits in the left field corner, displaying the count, outs, inning-by-inning score and the number of the player at bat. The high outfield chain link wall is covered in advertisements against a backdrop of trees only broken up by an apartment construction going on beyond the right-center wall. The main clubhouse and all restrooms are at the DSS clubhouse across the street. As is the case in most Honkbal Hoofdklasse games, there are no mascots or between-innings entertainment that permeate all levels of US baseball. You get in-stadium PA announcements, batter walk-up music, and the Seventh Inning Stretch, period. Since this is a step up from club ball, however, there are some nice vestiges of sportsmanship. Each batter coming the plate for the first time usually shakes the hand of the umpire and the opposing catcher. Sit where you want. The grandstand is the best view, but feel free to either grab a chair and make your perfect seat behind the batter’s box or sidle up to a tall table with your food from across the way to eat and drink while you watch the game. Neighborhood 4 Pim Mulier Sportpark is located a short distance from the city center in Haarlem, with a good selection of restaurants and hotels, but not much to keep you occupied. Unlike most Honkbal Hoofdklasse stadiums, there is a good selection of restaurants right by the park. To the west of the park are foodie heaven Restaurant N.A.P. Bloemendaal, upscale Restaurant Noor, and the Italian La Capannina. Just to the east are SushiRito Haarlem, the Indian Roti Room, Ricardoz Tapas, and Chinese Lok Moon. If those don’t tickle your fancy, take the short trip to downtown Haarlem or the train up to Amsterdam. One downside is there is not a lot to do in the immediate location directly around the park. Obviously, this is quickly fixed by the short ride to Haarlem city center or heading east to Amsterdam. There is the nature park Natuur-en Milleucentrum Ter Kleef (great for kids), and that’s about it unless you go further afield. There is a nice selection of hotels near the park, dozens more after the short ride to Haarlem center, and countless options the twenty minutes to Amsterdam. Nearest the park is the budget Stayokay Haarlem, to the north is Bastion Hotel Haarlem Velsen and Hotel De Weyman, and to the southwest are the more upscale Hotel ibis Styles Haarlem City, Hotel Bleecker, Bloemendaal, and Hotel Bloemandaal. Fans 3 Baseball (or honkbal, as it is known locally) is very much a fringe sport in The Netherlands, and for all of Europe for that matter. The Dutch Honkbal Hoofdklasse is one of the only semipro/professional leagues on the continent, sharing the distinction with the Italian Baseball League. Even in their cramped stadium, DSS seems to draw the low-end of the average Dutch baseball crowds (between 100-250 people per game). After games and practices at the surrounding fields end, the players and spectators come over to watch the top-level men play their games. Another out-of-the-ordinary status quo is that there are usually pet dogs at every game. It is a welcome change for dog lovers, less so if you don’t like them. Local fans sit in the small grandstand or arrange chairs behind home plate. Smokers and drinkers line up at the tall tables on the firstmbase side. Visitors arrange chairs on the third base side close to the visiting dugout. Sitting by the announcer’s booth can be enjoyable, as you can often hear them object to calls on the field before they make official announcements. Access 3 Pim Mulier Sportpark is easy to get to and relatively quick from most major cities, although the cramped stadium and the separate facilities does make it little inefficient to get around. Mass transit is a snap, as the park is a short walk away from the Haarlem Bloemendaal train station. It is about twenty minutes from Amsterdam Centraal (€5.00) and a little under an hour from Rotterdam (€13.50). Driving, cab, or ride share is just under ten minutes to the center of Haarlem, a half hour from Amsterdam, and an hour from Rotterdam. There is a parking lot by the park, and there is plenty of free bicycle parking. Cabs and ride shares can drop you off right at the park entrance, a short walk to the field. The stadium just has one entrance into the cramped confines. Entering is not a problem, but even with the relatively small crowds, you have to step aside for people sometimes if they are coming from the other direction. All facilities are located across the pedestrian walk at the main clubhouse, so getting grub and using the facilities is a lot more difficult than it needs to be. Return on Investment 4 There’s no charge to get into the park, so you can’t really argue with that. Everything is €5 or under, including alcohol, so you can’t quibble on the prices. . Extras 2 As with all the Dutch stadiums, extras are at a minimum. The clubhouse has the usual selection of baseball memorabilia, as well as club trophies and awards, plus a “DSS Hall of Fame” on one wall. There is one retired number on the right field wall for Ruud Naaktgeboren #2, a small plaque for Dick Hoff on the grandstand wall. DSS is also the only team in Honkbal Hoofdklasse to offer a free program to visitors. As Dutch clubhouse personnel are almost all volunteers, they are polite and helpful to a person and are always glad to talk to and assist visitors. Final Thoughts Pim Mulier Sportpark’s cramped confines are somewhat alleviated with its convenient location with lots of local amenities, and it still hits the basics to enjoy a game of baseball.

Photos by Matt Collins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Monmouth Park 175 Oceanport Ave Oceanport, NJ 07757 Monmouth Park website Year Opened: 1870 Capacity: 8,000 Horses Down on the Shore Monmouth Park has been a horse racing venue since 1870. It is located near the Jersey Shore in Oceanport, NJ and seats 8,000 but holds way more on major race days. It has live racing each weekend from May until September (the typical summer shore season) and hosts numerous major races, none bigger than the Haskell Invitational in July. Food & Beverage 4 Monmouth Park has a massive array of food options, so many that an entire review could be dedicated just to food. There are food and drinks available at every turn at the venue; there are food and liquor stands on the first and second floor grandstand, including one with a horse racing themed name, The Winner’s Circle. Two stands are near the park entrance selling Max’s Hot Dogs, a local staple for almost a century. A famous Max’s Hot Dog is offered for $7 and a cheese dog is offered for $8. A Jersey Shore touch is a pork roll and cheese hot dog for $10. Chicken Tenders with Fries are offered for $12 and a cheeseburger with chips is $11. The cheeseburger from the Max’s stand was excellent and the chips added a nice touch, a welcome diversion from the usual fries that accompany a burger. Boardwalk Eats, a first floor concession stand, offered a cheaper hot dog at $5 and a $12 Boardwalk Burger with fries. Drinks offered at the Max’s stand included Gatorade for $4 and Bottled Water, Coca-Cola, and Iced Tea all for $3. Alcohol was not served but was ubiquitous everywhere else. The Silver Bullet bar offers hard seltzer and beer for $7 and wine for $9 and a premium mixed cocktail for $12. The concession stands accept both cash and credit/debit cards. Monmouth Park Max's Hot Dogs, Photo by Matt Collins, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 The stadium is laid out in the typical style of horse racing tracks. The main grandstand is quite imposing and is three stories high. Seating is plentiful; the first floor features bench seats and standing room that provide an up close and personal view of the action on the track. The second floor is a mixture of box seats and seats with backs for general admission customers. The third floor is all general admission seating, although a lot less crowded than the first two floors. However, the third floor provides an amazing vista of the entire track and surrounding area. The second and third floors are covered while the first floor seating is out in the sun. The clubhouse is on the outer edge of the grandstand and is for the privileged elite that have a pass or have a connection to a horse through trainer, owner, or breeder. The clubhouse features luxury boxes and air conditioning. Betting stations are almost everywhere and what once was illicit is now embraced as sports betting is legal in New Jersey. In the main grandstand, numerous replay boards are available for those watching other horse races at Saratoga, Belmont or elsewhere and the replay board also features other sporting events like baseball. The third floor has an air conditioned room for serious hard core racing fans, mostly older men. The first floor features a gift shop and free WiFI is available throughout the venue. The paddock is a short walk from the main entrance and gives fans the opportunity to view the horses up close before they take to the track. The track scoreboard is huge in width and features a replay board that shows the action that occurred in the previous race. Music was not played over the PA at Monmouth Park and the track announcer was obscured by the din of the crowd during races. The announcer could be heard crystal clear in the paddock and outdoor picnic area, where less people gathered during races. Neighborhood 3 Monmouth Park is located in Oceanport, a sleepy residential town that doesn’t have much in the way of nightlife. However, Oceanport is 10 minutes away from Long Branch and Red Bank, two cultural hubs of the Jersey Shore. There are hotels on Route 36 near the park which were built in an effort to capitalize on tourists flocking to the shore in the summer. Long Branch and Red Bank are both newly revitalized cities that had once seen better days but are now becoming gentrified and hip places to go. Long Branch has the recently built Pier Village near the water that has numerous shopping options as well as McLoone’s Pier House, a restaurant owned by legendary Jersey restaurateur Tim McLoone. Red Bank has the Count Basie Theatre, a beautiful waterfront, and a bustling downtown. However, tourists should be aware that there are sections of both towns where one should not venture at night. Additionally, the PNC Bank Arts Center is located about 15 minutes away in Holmdel and plays host to numerous famous musical acts including Hall and Oates, Santana, and Rod Stewart. Fans 4 A Monmouth Park crowd is loud. So loud that the track announcer is barely audible. So loud the buzz from fans can be heard well after a race has ended. The day Stadium Journey attended the park the crowd was a large mix of young people clad in Vineyard Vines, horse racing junkies (mostly middle aged and older men) living and dying with every bet they made, and families seeking a good time, maybe skipping the beach for a day to explore what the surrounding area has to offer. Access 5 There is an NJ Transit train stop located behind the third turn of the track and spectators can see the train go behind the race course on any given race day. Parking availability is enormous as there is nothing around the park besides a massive field for parking. There are two NJ Transit bus stops at the park and Lyft/Uber service was available outside the main gate. Tickets are available both online and at the gate. There was a large sign at the entrance declaring that the park doesn’t allow outside food/drink and no coolers were allowed. Moving around the concourse was difficult at times because the place was packed (a welcome sight after a restrictive summer of 2020 due to COVID) but on less crowded days it would be a breeze to walk around the park. The bathrooms had few lines despite the large crowd and large amounts of handicapped parking and seating were available. Return on Investment 5 Tickets at Monmouth Park are the best prices imaginable, free. Parking is also free. That doesn’t mean that food and drink are but still free parking and admission to see 12 high level horse races is pretty damned good. A program at Monmouth Park costs $5. Extras 5 -A row of statues of jockeys as you walk up to the entrance -Silks of past winners at the track hanging on the first floor concourse -A program that alerted fans about new amenities at the park for 2021 as well as upcoming promotions like a t-shirt giveaway, classic car night, and $2 happy hour beer night. -A mini golf course designed for families that costs $10 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under. -Due to New Jersey Racing Commission statues, jockeys are no longer allowed to whip horses at any New Jersey track including Monmouth Park. Final Thoughts If you’re looking for something fun to do down the shore during the summer, look no further than an exciting day of horse racing at Monmouth Park.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Electric Supply Company Field at Truist Stadium Whitehead Ave NE Wilson, NC 27893 Barton Bulldogs website Electric Supply Company Field at Truist Stadium website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 3,500 Electric Blue at Barton After a 70-year hiatus, the Barton Bulldogs finally fielded a football team again starting in the spring of 2021, although without many fans in attendance – like many schools the planned 2020 season was put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Starting in the fall of 2021, however, the Barton Bulldogs are finally able to fill their brand-new facility, Electric Supply Company Field at Truist Stadium – the venue was mostly completed in 2019, but the new press box tower was added in 2021. The facility holds 3,500 fans with grandstands along both sidelines and features a bright blue border around the playing surface. Food & Beverage 5 When it comes to concessions Truist Stadium shines, with several different food trucks and an assortment of menu items which rivals that of much larger stadiums, although strangely the concessions are not near the main stands, but instead are located in one end zone and on the visitor’s side since that is where the venue has space for them. Starting off the list is Item 9 Pizza, which sells its 10” cheese or pepperoni pizzas from a white food truck for $11 or $12, followed by Sunset Slush (black food truck) which offers ice cream, gelato, or Italian ice starting at $4. You can also get wings or burgers from the Chiefs on the River food truck (also white), starting at $5 or $6 for the main dish only, or $12 for a combo meal with fries and a drink – I didn’t try the wings but heard they were to die for. There is also a fixed concessions stand that sells typical items such as popcorn, peanuts, candy, and chips, and all the stands sell bottled water, bottled soda, or energy drinks if you need a beverage. My personal favorite at Truist Stadium, however, is Krueger’s Candies (blue food truck), which sells Brightleaf hot dogs with chili for only $3, and Krueger’s even makes their hot dog buns! The buns have a very slightly sweet flavor, and the hot dogs are the rare red type, which incidentally is very popular in North Carolina (you can buy them at some of the MiLB stadiums in NC, for example at Carolina Mudcats games). Besides hot dogs, Krueger’s also sells nachos and caramels, but the hot dogs are the best – you can’t beat the $3 price anywhere for a chili dog, and they taste amazing to boot. Atmosphere 4 Truist Stadium is a great venue, and it still retains that new, modern look and feel – think new car smell. The bright blue border around the field pops, and the team has all the typical bells and whistles, such as the cheerleaders running back and forth waving flags after each score, and a bulldog mascot in costume. The only downside I would mention is that the scoreboard doesn’t have any video capability for replays. Neighborhood 5 Truist Stadium is located in Wilson, NC, which is not that big of a town, but there are plenty of restaurants and hotels nearby if you plan to be in town for the day or the weekend. The variety of restaurants near the venue is pretty impressive, ranging from Kountry Kitchen and Western Sizzlin to barbecue, Mexican, and fast food, to Daniel’s Casual Fine Dining and Varee Asian Café & Bakery. The hotels tend to be a little further from the stadium, closer to I-795, but you can choose from a variety of options ranging from America’s Best Value Inn on the cheaper side to Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn on the more expensive side. Where Wilson shines, however, is in terms of the attractions it offers – probably the most interesting and unique is Whirligig Park & Museum, featuring wind-powered mechanical sculptures which look kind of like Rube Goldberg machines (think the Mousetrap game you may have played as a kid, where you put together different pieces to make a complicated machine to trap the mouse). Whirligig Park is worth a look, and if you are a sports fan Wilson also offers the NC baseball museum, in addition to numerous historical sites, parks, and botanical gardens. Fans 2 The crowd at Truist Stadium is very small, unfortunately, and it may take some time for Barton to build up its fan base again after such a long football hiatus. This is a shame since the venue is so nice – you definitely would not expect to see such a small crowd here. Access 4 Truist Stadium and Barton College are very easy to get to; not far from I-95 and I-795, inside the loop made up of Highway 42 and Highway 301. If you don’t have a special pass (which will let you park right next to the field), you can park for free 2-3 blocks from the stadium in a small parking lot on Woodard Street. There is not very good signage, however, about where to park, so just ask for directions at one of the VIP lots you pass, and the parking attendants there will be happy to point you in the right direction. Once you get to the stadium there are plenty of entrances behind the north end zone – all tickets are technically mobile tickets, but if you didn’t buy one beforehand or don’t have a Smartphone with you, you can still buy a ticket (basically a QR code printed out on plain paper, not a regular ticket) at the door. The concourse is easy to move around, and there are more than enough restrooms to accommodate the crowd. One thing to mention is that the bathrooms are inside large trailers, but they are modern and better than you might expect – note that the differently-abled bathrooms offer a lot more room inside and have elongated seats, so those might be a better option for some fans. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets to football games at Truist Stadium are $17 including fees, which is very reasonable for this level of football; couple that with free parking, an outstanding and brand-new facility, and cheap concessions depending on which items you choose, and Barton Bulldogs football offers a great return on investment for your sports viewing dollar. Extras 3 Truist Stadium doesn’t have a lot of extras to offer during a Bulldogs football game, but they have the basics covered – the mascot, cheerleaders, great décor, fun music, and fabulous concessions all combine to make your visit to Wilson a great one. I recommend taking a journey to Barton College for a football game; you won’t regret it.

Photos by Ron Ford, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 LaHaye Ice Center 1971 University Blvd Lynchburg, VA 24502 Liberty Flames hockey website LaHaye Ice Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 4,000 Liberty, Liberty, Liberty...Hockey The American Collegiate Hockey Association covers most of the college hockey programs that have not been absorbed into the NCAA and usually organizes programs which would not have the budgets normally seen amongst their big brothers and sisters in the NCAA divisions. The ACHA represent 450 programs across the United States. Located on the campus of Liberty University the LaHaye Ice Center is the home of Liberty Universities Division 1 men's and women's ice hockey teams, as well as Virginia Military Institute and Lynchburg Colleges Division 2 schools. Built in 2006 with assistance of a $4.5 million dollar grant by Tim LaHaye, it has been renovated in 2008 and again in 2015. The arena also hosts public skating, broomball and recreational hockey. Food & Beverage 3 Basic arena food with a few extras. LaHaye offers all your basic stadium fare, from hot dogs to cheeseburgers to chicken tenders, all standard preparation with no real frills, fresh popcorn and cotton candy are a nice touch and there is a wide selection of chips and candy. Coke products are available along with some hot drinks. The surprises start in that they offer discounted combos at the main concession stand. Along with a nightly concession special such as $1 hot dogs it might make this the most affordable stadium food I have seen in ages. Exploring further, there are also local businesses offering specialized snacks along the concourse. While these were slightly more expensive they are still not outrageous and fill the void for those who are looking for more sophisticated eats. While limited to mostly snacks and desserts it's still nice to have some truly homemade ice cream or cookies. There does not seem to be any adult beverages on the premises. Atmosphere 4 LaHaye is clean, well lit with simple lines and surprisingly well furnished in terms of private concourse boxes. There are some odd uses of riot gate to separate the general admission from the premium seating. General admission has bench seating with no back, but also access to standing room and glass-side viewing. Premium seating are comfortable (even for larger folks) plastic mold form seating with cupholders. It has a central video scoreboard which allows for professionally rendered and produced video screen introductions, a simple light show during player introductions and also features an ample PA system with a decent selection of arena rock music. which brings me to my next point... Neighborhood 4 LaHaye is located in the Liberty sports complex. Its neighbors are Williams Stadium for football, Worthington field for baseball, Liberty Arena for basketball and various fitness centers. All of these are well lit and well integrated buildings with the lone exception being LaHaye which stands out slightly as a white cement and chrome structure in contrast to the red brick and brass of most of the other stadiums. There are plenty of restaurants including local and franchise names in the strip malls surrounding the sports complex. From Macados to Star Ginger and Crab Du Jour, you are sure to find something to match your pre-game tastes within mere blocks of the arena. Several hotels spot the area surely awaiting out of town parents visiting students. Fans 4 This place is loud. In the best way. In that babies the next town over cry when the hometown scores. The fans are knowledgeable, and dedicated, they have their favorite players, as a community. There are disparaging chants for the introduction of the opposing team, and individual cheers for the players with personalities. D1 men's finished the 2023 season with several consecutive sell outs, which most teams in any level of sport would hope for. Access 4 LaHey is located 2 blocks off 29 in Lynchburg Virginia. My direction app happened to take me on a backwoods adventure through the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Which was honestly a pleasant surprise. I occasionally forget why I moved out to the mountains. And my GPS reminded me. But getting to the arena is a fairly straightforward trip from most towns north and south. All sections of the arena are easily accessible, and there is an elevator for those with mobility issues. Parking is plentiful and free as long as you register for the free parking registration here: https://www.liberty.edu/police/parking/visitor-parking/ Return on Investment 4 There are so many positives here. I could treat a family of 4 to night out of exciting competitive sporting action for less than $ 100. I do recommend getting your tickets early as I was shut out of one game due to the building reaching capacity. There is a great souvenir / pro shop with a wide variety of Liberty University paraphernalia and some hockey and skating gear as well. Having seen hundreds of minor league games in dozens of arenas over the years the sports going experience here is one of the best I've ever had. Extras 0 If visiting LaHaye Ice Arena, keep in mind that Liberty University is owned and operated by the Fallwell family there is a heavy handed helping of religion and politics here. Should you find the presence of either overly intrusive, this might not be the venue for you.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Veteran’s Memorial Park 85 Eckhart St. Bridgeport, CT 06606 Sacred Heart Pioneers baseball website Veteran’s Memorial Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 500 Pioneer Baseball   Sacred Heart University first fielded a baseball team in 1966. The Pioneers originally competed in Division Two, reaching the D-2 World Series in 1992. In 2000 the school elevated all of their athletic teams to Division One status. After spending more than two decades in the Northeast Conference, the Pioneers will be joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in the fall of 2024. Since joining the sport’s top level, the Pioneers have appeared in the NCAA tournament four times, most recently in 2015. Three Sacred Heart alumni (Troy Scribner, Zack Short and Jason Foley) have played in the Major Leagues.   Sacred Heart played their home baseball games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard  in nearby Bridgeport from 2001-2017. When the ballpark was closed in order to convert it to a concert venue, Sacred Heart was forced to play in several area ballparks until a suitable replacement was found. In 2019 the Pioneers found a field closer to home at neighboring Veteran’s Memorial Park, right across the street from the Sacred Heart campus.   Founded in 1937 as Ninety Acres Park, the park was re-dedicated in 2005. The baseball field, built in 2009, is formally named the Perry Pilotti Field after the prominent Bridgeport resident and businessman. Also located within the park are several hiking trails, a disc golf course and soccer fields.   Food & Beverage 0   There are no concessions available here at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Visiting fans are welcome to bring their own refreshments to the game. Many fans stop at one of the food trucks that line up at Veterans Park along Park Avenue to pick up a snack for the game.   Atmosphere 2   One wouldn’t expect an elaborate game day presentation here at Veteran’s Memorial Park. The Sacred Heart staff set up shop in a pop-up tent behind home plate. From here, the student interns play music between innings and keep the streaming services updated. The PA announcer does a nice job with lineups on surprisingly clear temporary speakers. A new scoreboard in right field displays basic game information.   Fans fill up the small bleachers behind home plate or set up their lawn chairs on the hill on the first base side of the diamond. It’s a nice vantagepoint from which to catch a game, and many fans bring their dogs to bask in the sun on a warm spring day. It’s exactly the kind of low-key atmosphere you would expect at a small community ballfield such as this.   Neighborhood 2     Sacred Heart University is located in the affluent Connecticut suburb of Fairfield. Veteran’s Memorial Park is located across the street, about a mile from the campus in the adjacent city of Bridgeport.   While Fairfield is a really nice place to live (in fact, Money Magazine rated Fairfield as one of the top 50 places to live in the country), it’s not exactly what you would consider a destination city. Fans visiting Sacred Heart will not find many options for dining or lodging close to campus. To the north of campus on Park Avenue is a residential area, and a few miles to the south is urban Bridgeport. Fans looking for places to eat may have to drive a bit. The downtown areas of both Fairfield and Bridgeport have plenty of choices for the visiting Pioneer fan.   Adjacent to the Sacred Heart campus is the Discovery Museum and Planetarium. This attraction features rotating exhibits and interactive educational displays. JP’s Diner, a 50s style full-service restaurant, is located on campus next to the William Pitt Center and Campus Field . If arriving early enough for a weekend game, locals rave about the breakfast sandwiches at The Tasty Yolk, one of many food trucks that set up shop on Park Avenue. Visiting fans looking for some physical activity after a Sacred Heart game can check out the disc golf course at Veterans Memorial Park or the zip lines at Discovery Adventure Park.   Fans 2   The crowd at a Sacred Heart baseball game is a “friends and family” type of gathering. Crowds range in number between 100-200 people. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the field and are vocal in their support of the home team throughout the game. With Sacred Heart’s schedule consisting largely of local opponents, it’s not unusual to see visiting fans mixed in among the Pioneer supporters.   Access 3     Sacred Heart University is located in the affluent Connecticut suburb of Fairfield. Veteran’s Memorial Park is located across the street, about a mile from the campus in the neighboring city of Bridgeport. The area is easily accessed by either the Merritt Parkway or Interstate 95. Traffic in this part of the state is often heavy, even on weekends, so allot extra time to arrive at the ballpark.   Parking is available adjacent to the ballpark at the John Winthrop Elementary school parking lot. From here paved paths will take you down a hill to the baseball field. Seating is available on some small metal bleachers located behind home plate. Many fans bring their own chairs to set up around the field. A most popular spot is the hill on the first base side of the field, which offers the best views in the park. Access to much of the grounds is blocked off to fans by ropes. Fans are only allowed to access the area behind home plate and the hill on the first base side of the field.   Unfortunately, the dugout roofs and wrapping have the unintended effect of blocking views of the field from much of the seating area. No matter where you sit at Veteran’s Memorial Park, you will be looking through some thick chain link fencing while you watch the action.   There is a building containing rest rooms at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Unfortunately, the doors to the men’s room did not completely close during Stadium Journey’s visit. Some port-a-johns nearby augment these permanent rest rooms.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to Pioneer games is free of charge, as is parking in the elementary school parking lot next door to the ball field. With no concessions, visiting fans will not spend a single cent while at a Sacred Heart baseball game.   Extras 1                                                                                                 The Pioneers honor their conference title teams and NCAA tournament appearances with graphics on the back of the visitor’s dugout and on the left field. The three Sacred Heart alumni who have reached the majors are honored on the right field fence.   Final Thoughts   Despite improvements in Pilotti Field over the course of Sacred Heart’s tenure here, this remains at best a nice community ball field. Rumors are swirling that the school is looking to build their own facility on or near campus. A permanent and dedicated home is long overdue for the Pioneers squad.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Ed Pelle, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 0.00 Changlimithang Stadium Chang Lam Thimphu, Bhutan Bhutan Football Federation website Changlimithang Stadium website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 45,000 Land of the Thunder Dragon It is said that the second Buddha, Padmasambhava, did descend from the sky while riding a tiger to the sanctuary of a small cave at the top of a remote Himalayan mountain in what is now known as the Kingdom of Bhutan. Here he would meditate for three years and three months before emerging to spread his teachings throughout the region. From the many chortens, prayer wheels, and golden statues that dot the mountainous countryside to the remote dzongs(fortresses) and monasteries, Buddhist culture is reflected in nearly every aspect of society in Bhutan, which is the worlds only officially Buddhist country. Bhutan is located south of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and utilizes the Dzongkha language which is descended from the Old Tibetan language. Often referred to as the hermit kingdom, Bhutan was only accessible by foot until the early 1960’s. Today it remains one of the least visited countries in the world. In 1885 a major battle occurred on the site that is now occupied by Changlimithang Stadium. The result of this battle established the first king of the newly united country. Changlimithang Stadium is the home of the Bhutan national football team and several club teams that play out of Thimphu. The stadium was first opened in 1974 and has undergone several renovations since then. At approximately 7650 feet above sea level/2331 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest elevation soccer pitches in world competition. Bhutan joined FIFA officially in 2000 and attempted their first ever qualification for a FIFA World Cup on March 15, 2015. In a shocking win they defeated Sri Lanka 1-0 as a road team, despite being the lowest ranked team in World Football at the time. They would go on to defeat Sri Lanka in a second game at home, advancing to the second round of Asian Football Confederation World Cup Qualifying, their best result to date. Food & Beverage Food and beverages are not available for sale in the stadium. There are however many dining options located directly across the street from the main entrance to the stadium for pre or post game meals. It should be noted that meat is not commonly served in Bhutan outside of establishments that cater to tourists as the population is mostly vegetarian in accordance with Bhuddist practice. In some local restaurants meat may need to be ordered in advance. Bhutanese food tends to be very spicy for western palettes. One of the most common food items is chilis and cheese. Use of Betel Nut, a drug common to South Asia is widespread and sold at local markets. It is chewed similar to tobacco. The use of Betel Nut is very common while attending sporting events or engaging in other pastimes in this region of the world. Atmosphere The tone of any event held at the stadium is set by the large golden Buddha statue posing in the Kataka mudra, overlooking the field from Centenary Park on the east side of the stadium. Also located on the eastern side of the pitch is the Royal Pavilion, the most iconic and heavily photographed area of the stadium. This limited seating area, which is not connected to the other seating areas is surrounded by highly stylized intricate woodwork, and is generally reserved for VIPs. The rest of the seats in this stadium, that can accommodate up to 8000 at full capacity in its latest renovation, are located along the western side and a small section that curls behind the northern goal. There is a large video replay screen located behind the northern goal as well. On the southern end of the stadium is a practice soccer field and further south an archery range. The seating area continues on along behind the practice field but tickets aren’t sold for this area when an event is happening on the main field of play. Despite this, some fans will choose to sit here as the area is not closed off and there is more room to stretch out. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall seasons. June to September is considered the monsoon season and very few people visit during this time due to the near daily rain fall. Most visitors to Bhutan will experience some form of altitude sickness initially. The best method for combating its effects are lots of rest and eating lightly in the first 24 hours to allow the body time to adjust. Neighborhood Bhutan is referred to as Druk Yul in its native language which means land of the Thunder Dragon. Thimphu, despite being the capital and largest inhabitance in the country, is not a large city with a population of slightly more than 100,000. Most areas within the city are walking distance apart. There are no traffic signals in Thimphu or the country for that matter, as they simply aren’t necessary. Like many of the population centers in Bhutan, Thimphu is located in a long thin valley surrounded by large mountains. Overlooking the city on the Southwest corner of the valley is the giant Buddha Dordenma statue, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world and one of the major tourist points in Thimphu. Inside it is filled with thousands of smaller Buddha statues and the Buddhist monks that look after the site offer free blessings to those who wish them. The main downtown area is located around Clock Tower Square. Most tourists will stay in the hotels located near this junction. Changlimithang Stadium is one block east as is the archery range. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and matches both formal and informal are held nearly everyday here. The Tiger’s Nest which is also named Taktsang Monastery is a holy pilgrimage site and the image that most would associate with Bhutan. It is located near Paro, and is the most frequently visited tourist destination. Many tourists choose to photograph the monastery from a distance because to enter inside requires a hike from 7000 feet to 10000 feet up a sharply inclined path for several hours. Once inside the Tiger’s Nest, you will find many different meditation areas and various statues depicting the incarnations of Guru Rinpoche also known as Padmasambhava. Fans When the national team plays fans fill the stadium as a matter of national pride. The vocal supporter section sits midfield lower level and leads the cheering. Although most attendees will be wearing the traditional Bhutanese dress (a gho for men, a kira for women) most will find a way to incorporate yellow or orange into their outfit. The supporters will wear Bhutan team jerseys, bang on drums and wave flags throughout the contest. Thunder sticks are dispersed to help create a more raucous environment. Most of the players on the national team are college students, as opposed to highly paid professionals found on other national teams. After the game many of them just walk home from the stadium or meet up with friends for dinner. It is not hard to approach a player and thank them for their efforts on the day. Access While it is not impossible to visit Bhutan is certainly is not easy. A tourist visa for all countries other than India costs $250(US) per day per person. All non Indian tourists are required to hire a registered tour guide and pay for all expenses before arrival including meals and accommodation. A tour guide can book flights for you or you can book them on your own, but tour guides get significant discounts on the only two airlines that serve the country which are Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. I used heavenlybhutan.com for my travel guide and would recommend their services. Once receiving payment the tour guide will apply for your travel visa and forward it to you electronically. Citizens of India, due to a special partnership, are allowed to cross the border without a visa and are free to travel about within the country without a guide. On average more people will visit Disney World in one day than visit Bhutan in one year. There is only one international airport in the country, located in Paro, Bhutan. It is arguably one of the most dangerous places to land a plane in the world due to the fact that the pilot has to maneuver the aircraft sharply around the peaks of several mountains before nosediving into a small landing strip located in a valley. The pilot cannot see the runway until he is only five hundred feet above ground and has to turn off normal computer guidance that would steer the plane away from mountains. Only 8 pilots in the world are certified to make this landing and it can only be attempted in daylight hours under clear conditions. After arrival in Paro, the drive to Thimphu is about a forty-five minute trip on a one lane winding mountain roadway with some spectacular views. There is no shoulder on this road and there will occasionally be some roadway obstructions like slow moving trucks or yaks. While it is possible to meet your guide at the Bhutan-India border and then drive to Thimphu, this would not be a recommended option. The drive would take around six to eight hours depending on roadway conditions, effectively wasting an entire day of your visa. Paro International Airport is only linked to a few other international destinations. There is service from the airport to New Delhi, India via Kathmandu, Nepal, to Kolkata, India to Dhaka, Bangladesh and Bangkok, Thailand. By far, the most popular route for tourists, is to fly from Bangkok. The flight from Paro to Kathmandu will fly you on a route that will pass Mount Everest to the south. If the weather is clear you will be treated to some spectacular views of the world’s highest peak. When traveling during the right time of year it might even be possible to view some mountaineers attempting to stand on “rooftop of the world”. Return on Investment For the vast number of local people in attendance, a ticket would only cost roughly a few American Dollars and would constitute the only expenses associated with the event, resulting in a huge return on investment. Anyone requiring a visa to enter the country can expect expenses to add up extremely fast. During a hypothetical three day stay, a budget of around $1500 would be advisable. This does not include airfare to a connection point like Bangkok, Thailand, where you will likely have to stay a night before reaching the final destination. From North America, travel time to Bangkok is approximately twenty-four hours. After a layover, forty hours plus on a one way trip to Thimphu would be a reasonable estimate of the time needed to reach this area. Extras There is no other place in the world that is quite like Bhutan. By royal decree, happiness was determined to be more important than economic development. Preservation of the environment and preservation of culture are two ways in which this is accomplished. Absent are all major western companies and sixty percent of the country by law, must remain forested. All students are taught to meditate two minutes per day, contemplating happiness. The result of these efforts is that ninety one percent of the population surveyed reported feeling a sense of happiness and fulfillment within their lives. When traveling in the country you will commonly encounter little painted chortens that kind of resemble a cupcake. These are the cremated remains of the dead left to weather away and return to the earth, a constant reminder between the relationship of life, death and rebirth. Final Thoughts As I conclude this highly Buddhist influenced review, I am reminded of the concept of Samjna or perception. How can I possibly know the true nature of this experience without my mind being clouded by past events and biases? Has my obstructed mind built a veil of illusion around the distorted way in which I perceive reality? For this reason I have decided to refrain from assigning a numerical ranking to the various categories. To quote his Holiness the Dalai Lama,” the absence of judgement is love”.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Falcon Field 2168 Field House Dr Colorado Springs, CO 80922 Air Force Falcons website Falcon Field website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 1,000 Academy Ball Founded in 1954, the Air Force Academy prepares more than 4,400 cadets a year for active duty as an officer in the Air Force. After 4 years of traditional classroom instruction, flight and survival training, lessons in military etiquette and tradition, and physical training, cadets are commissioned as second lieutenants and with a Bachelor’s of Science from one of the top universities in the nation. One, of many, cadet requirements are mandatory participation in athletics, whether at the intramural or varsity level. While many facets of contemporary NCAA athletics are unsavory, the Academy uses athletics to boost physical fitness while also developing character and leadership skills, all important attributes for military officers. The Academy has 17 men’s and 10 women’s teams competing in NCAA Division 1, with the major sports belonging to the Mountain West Conference. The baseball team was founded in 1957, and while the Falcons themselves don’t have a lot of draftable talent, the Mountain West as a whole does, and this usually results in competitive games. The Falcons play at Falcon Field, a small field with a listed capacity of 1,000. The only official seating is a set of bleachers behind each dugout, but the grass ridges behind the bleachers offer a nice view with a chance to move around. The field is nestled between a football practice field, a rugby field, and various other athletic fields. Nearby is the Cadet Fieldhouse, which houses the Falcon basketball and ice hockey teams. The field itself is quite a throwback to the past compared to any modern major league stadium, but a good time can be had by any baseball fan. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small food trailer behind home plate serving hot dogs, brats, polish sausage, candy and soda. Here are the prices, as of the 2015 season: Hot Dog – $3 Brats – $5 Polish Sausage – $6 Chips – $1.50 Candy – $2.50 Soda (20 oz) – $3.50 Water (20 oz) – $3.50 Gatorade (20 oz) – $3.50 The hot dog and its sausage cousins are grilled ahead of time and kept warm in a water bath. The hot dog I had was a good size and quite tasty. The narrow selection combined with high drink prices only give this category one star. Atmosphere 4 The capacity is low – listed at 1,000, with turnouts much lower than that. The field has great views of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and the fans in attendance are attentive and very into the game. Seating is very close to the field, a welcome change if you don’t want to fork over a lot of cash at your local MLB park. The press box plays music between innings and walkup music for each Air Force hitter, something you wouldn’t expect walking up to the venue. The overall atmosphere is elevated by the setting in general – while the field opens up away from the foothills, there are breathtaking views looking back from home plate. The field (with the exception of the dirt mound) is FieldTurf, an unfortunate but pragmatic choice when accounting for the spring snowstorms that frequently occur along the Front Range. There isn’t a bad seat in the house – each bleacher runs from home plate to first/third base and are right on top of the action. The small grassy ridges behind the bleachers provide an area to sit with camping chairs or a picnic blanket. The bullpens are down each foul line, and fans can peer through the fence and be 10 feet away from pitchers warming up. There are no advertisements along the outfield wall, or anywhere close to Falcon Field. This is an unexpected benefit, and a welcome reprieve from the deluge of advertisements seen at virtually every stadium. One of my favorite things – there’s a banner past the left center field fence from the Commandant of Cadets (equivalent Dean of Students or Chancellor at a typical university). The banner promises a free weekend to any cadet who hits a home run off of the banner. Hopefully the NCAA does not rule a free weekend an impermissible benefit. The college baseball season happens in late winter/early spring, a turbulent time in Colorado weather. Conditions during the game will be a crap shoot – you could enjoy a gorgeous 70 degree game in late February, or have a game canceled by an early May snowstorm. Consult your weather forecast of choice the day of your trip to the Academy. Neighborhood 5 The Air Force Academy is about 10 minutes north of Colorado Springs and 45 minutes south of Denver. This makes the Academy relatively remote, and the enormous footprint of the Academy grounds mean there are no bars or restaurants in close proximity. If you are willing to travel a few miles on Interstate 25, there are restaurants and bars around the Briargate Road exit, as well as fast food and a brewery in Monument. The lack of immediate proximity to food and beverage is made up by the Academy itself and the numerous points of interest within the grounds. Continuing along the visitor road route past the field will bring you to the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center. Inside, you will find a gift shop, maps of the Academy, a theater showing a short film about cadet life, exhibits detailing the history of the Academy and the men and women who have passed through. Take a map – it will help guide you around the Academy, both to Falcon Field and various points of interest. Outside the Visitor Center is a short (about a third of a mile – takes about 10 minutes at a very leisurely pace) and beautiful trail that will lead you to the Cadet Chapel, the most recognizable landmark at the Academy. Completed in 1962, the Cadet Chapel soars more than 150 feet above the ground. The facility houses separate chapels for Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Buddhist services, all of which can occur simultaneously without interrupting the other services. There is also an All-Faiths room, which accommodates Muslims and cadets of other faiths. The chapel is very impressive and a must see for any trip to the Academy. There are a few aircraft replicas positioned along the roads through the Academy. I’d recommend stopping and taking pictures of at least the full size B-52 that is situated near the North Gate. Fans 3 While small in number, the fans that attend Air Force baseball games are very friendly and passionate about the game. Many friends and family of the players and cadets in the game are present. At the game I attended, the Air Force athletic director was mingling with fans behind home plate and having conversations about the future of the athletic department. The Air Force managers working the radar gun behind home plate are glad to talk baseball and give a decent scouting report on the other team. Access 1 This section is difficult – here at Stadium Journey, stadium access is typically graded based on the proximity of public transportation and price of parking. Based on this criteria, access is poor, but it’s not because of poor urban planning, or a greedy team owner building a publicly financed stadium in a remote suburb. The Air Force Academy is an active military installation and is subject to specific security-related restrictions that just don’t exist at other stadiums. At the time of my visit, all US military bases were under Force Protection Condition Bravo, an elevated level of security due to a credible terrorist threat. During past Air Force football and basketball games I’ve attended, guards waved cars through the security checkpoints. This visit was a little different. Because of the heightened security, the Academy was closed to individuals who did not possess an active Department of Defense ID. An exception was made for fans who were attending the baseball game. I was required to show a valid photo ID, and my car was searched before I was allowed to enter. The bottom line: due to external circumstances, access may be restricted, even on a game day. I’d advise checking the AFA website before scheduling a trip to ensure that the Academy is open. Even if security is relaxed to “normal” levels, I’d budget at least 30 minutes to get from Interstate 25 to your destination on the Academy grounds to account for possible security delays. I’d also recommend entering the Academy at the North Gate – it has more lanes for visitors. Once through the gate, it is an easy drive up towards the field. Some cars park along the roads that run parallel to the foul lines behind the bleachers – this is not recommended, as a few well-hit foul balls threaten windshields and headlights throughout the game. I parked in a small lot south of home plate and had no worries about possible baseball damage to my car. Due to location and the military nature of the base, there is no public transit to the Academy. The North Gate is located less than a half mile from Interstate 25 and is clearly marked on highway signage, so the entrance is not difficult to locate. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for entrance to the Academy, entrance to the baseball game, or to any of the visitor activity areas. Enjoying a baseball game, enjoying the stunning architecture of the Cadet Chapel, and walking through the AFA museum, all set among the foothills of the Rocky Mountains for free is a return on investment that can’t be beat. Extras 1 If you enjoy mascots roaming the aisles, thousands doing the wave, and T-shirt cannons, this may not be the venue for you. If you enjoy baseball at its purest, the Academy is a great place to watch a baseball game while enjoying the scenery and exploring the place where future officers in the Air Force are trained.

Photo Courtesy of Stanford University Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Klein Field at Sunken Diamond 151 Sam McDonald Mall Stanford, CA 94305 Stanford Cardinal website Klein Field at Sunken Diamond website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 4,000 Baseball On The Farm The Stanford Cardinal have won 116 National championships, 102 of which are of the NCAA variety, second most all-time (UCLA). Of those 102, 41 represent women’s sports, the most all-time. It’s clear that the Cardinal athletic program is prolific and the baseball team is just one piece of it. Winning back-to-back championships in 1987 and 1988, Stanford baseball is one of the elite programs in the country. They have won 20 conference championships (most recently in 2004), have had 29 NCAA Tournament appearances (most recently in 2011), and 16 College World Series appearances (most recently in 2008). In recent years the football program has experienced greater success with back-to-back BCS bowl game appearances. In 2011 they beat Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium and in 2012 they lost to Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Combine that with a NIT basketball championship in 2012 at Madison Square Garden by the Stanford men’s basketball team and a Final Four appearance at the Pepsi Center by the women’s team, and the Stanford baseball squad is experiencing raised expectations. The Cardinal baseball team have been playing at the Sunken Diamond adjacent from Stanford Stadium since 1931 and at a capacity of just 4,000, it provides a much more intimate atmosphere than its 50,000 seat counterpart. There is one level of seating that stretches around the backstop from first base to third base. Two sections of grass seating are located near the foul pole on both sides of the field where fans sprawl on picnic blankets and kids have the opportunity to run around a bit. The remodel in 2001 brought new seating, a three-tier press box, and new dugouts to Sunken Diamond. Food & Beverage 3 There are 6 main food items at the Sunken Diamond; the grilled colossal dog, cheeseburger, hamburger, grilled chicken sandwich and garden burger (all $6) and the cardinal dog ($5). The various sides include nachos ($5), french fries ($5), peanuts ($4), and licorice rope ($2). No alcoholic beverages are served at Klein Field however soda, frozen lemonade, hot chocolate and coffee were all available. The latter two items were particularly popular on this breezy, chilly night at Stanford. Atmosphere 5 The Sunken Diamond consistently ranks as one of the most beautiful venues in college baseball. This is due in part to the trees that hug the outer rim of the venue and the mountains in the background that make this a nearly perfect place to take in a baseball game. Keep in mind that the stadium is located at one of the most picturesque universities in the nation and be sure to check out the architecture viewable from inside and outside of the ballpark. There is a friendly vibe in the air at a Stanford baseball game. While there certainly is a family-friendly atmosphere at the Sunken Diamond, it certainly doesn’t lack a competitive nature. The game I went to pitted two top-end programs against each other as Stanford welcomed the Texas Longhorns to California. There were a good amount of Texas supporters as the game but they only enhanced the atmosphere. There was not a bit of mean-spirited nature in Stanford that night, yet the place was jacked the entire time, a great experience. Keeping with the theme of aesthetics, the Stanford baseball team satisfied with their classic uniform designs. One can picture the same uniforms being worn in 1931, complete with the high hosiery. On a silly note, you can almost assuredly bet for clear skies and pleasant whether at Stanford as they are neighbors to Redwood City, “Climate Best by Government Test.” Neighborhood 4 The university covers a lot of land and two zip codes and is separated from downtown Palo Alto by the El Camino Real. The downtown area is an affluent area with beautiful, safe streets. There is a bunch of shopping, bars and restaurants that are sure to meet anyone’s fancy. Right on the other side of El Camino Real is the Town and Country shopping center which includes a couple cafes, restaurants, a bookstore and a Trader Joe’s. Emerson Street and University Avenue is where most of the restaurants and hangouts are along. Wine bars and upscale dining dominate the scene in downtown Palo Alto with Vin Vino Wine, The Wine Room, Vino Locale, and Gravity Bar all serving the wine connoisseur. Other bars include Gordon Biersch, Scotty’s, The Old Pro, and Antonio’s Nut House. My choice would be Rudy’s Pub (corner of Alma and University) for a beer before the game, perhaps on my way from the Caltrain Station, which is right across the street. Dinner options in Palo Alto include: Pampas for steak, Tamarine for Vietnamese, Darbar for Indian, Garden Fresh for vegan, and Cafe Pro Bono for Italian. Most appealing may be the natural beauty you find yourself in. Seeing as most of the games are held during the day, a walk through campus may be the perfect way to start your college baseball game day. Fans 5 After going to a USF baseball game I didn’t have the highest expectations of the college baseball fan experience. However, Stanford fans really came out strong. The Sunken Diamond was packed. Granted, it was a Friday evening prior to the professional baseball teams nearby got going but I was still impressed. Families, students, and seniors were all engaged throughout and they were immediately rewarded with a lead-off homerun in the bottom of the first inning by the Cardinal. It was a very positive atmosphere and the fans had as much to do with that as anything. There was playful ribbing with the opposing fans as well as passionate support of their own squad. Though there was a lot of visiting amongst fans and wandering of kids, I never got the sense that the fans weren’t paying attention to what was going on on the field. Access 4 Stanford sits between two major freeways (101 and 280) and along the thoroughfare El Camino Real. This provides easy routes into and out of the university with ease unless it is rush hour. Palo Alto as with much of the vehicle-heavy peninsula is troubled by severe traffic after work hours. Your problem is solved if you take Caltrain which runs from San Francisco to San Jose. A ride from San Francisco to Palo Alto will run you $6.50. You can hop on the free Stanford shuttle from the train station if the 15 minute walking is daunting. Unlike during games at Maples Pavilion or Stanford Stadium, parking at the Sunken Diamond is free on game days. There may however be a fee if the game is played during normal school hours like there is at other parking lots on campus. For the game against Texas, the main lot filled out quickly so I was forced to park in a gravel lot adjacent from the main lot, a five minute walk. There is an upper and lower walkway that helps alleviate some foot traffic. The upper walkway allows access to the seats while the lower heads to the snack bar and restrooms. There is however only one set of restrooms, but they didn’t back up very bad and were quite clean. Return on Investment 4 Stanford baseball tickets are quite affordable as adult general admission tickets start at $7 and children start at $4. The most expensive ticket is $21 and that includes rivals such as California or UCLA. With parking being free, the most expensive part of the experience will undoubtedly be food. Though not overly expensive, it does seem a bit high in comparison to the ticket price. Even still, a hot dog, a ticket and parking will only run you $12. Can’t beat that. Extras 3 Though Klein Field at Sunken Diamond is a beautiful place to catch a game, it doesn’t provide an over-the-top “extras” though that’s fine for me. The Cardinal do display their two NCAA championship flags down in the right field corner near the entrance and the restrooms and there are plaques in the entryway. Also in the entryway is a plaque dedicated to Bud Klein by his family. Outside the entrance are three monuments representing Stanford world record holders, National Champions and Olympians. These monuments form a crescent shape and display the person being honored, the sport, and the year of accomplishment. The last bit of “extras” is the Stanford campus. Walk it; you likely won’t be able to see it all in one day. Final Thoughts Though the Bay Area has two professional baseball teams in the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants as well as the minor league San Jose Giants , the Stanford Cardinal provide an atmosphere on par, albeit smaller, than any of the above. It is my favorite of the three main venues on the Stanford campus.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Cashman Field 850 Las Vegas Blvd N Las Vegas, NV 89101 Vegas Vipers website Cashman Field website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 12,500 The XFL’s Sin City The XFL’s Tampa Bay Vipers were formed in 2019 and played 5 games in 2020 before the XFL season was canceled (and the XFL ceased operations) due to the pandemic. It would take 3 years for the Vipers to make a return appearance, this time in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. The Vegas Vipers currently play at Cashman Field, a new soccer-specific stadium that is home to the Las Vegas Lights FC, but which used to be home to the MiLB’s Las Vegas ’51s, who now play at Las Vegas Ballpark under their new name, the Las Vegas Aviators . Food & Beverage 4 While food and beverage prices are generally on the high side, there is plenty to be found at Cashman Field – the main concession stand is called Lights Out Grill (named after the soccer team here), and offers a raft of options including burgers, churros, chicken tenders, fries, quesadillas, chips, candy, and beverages such as Jarritos soda, Pepsi products, bottled water, and canned/bottled beer. There are two Lights Out Grill stands, one on each end of the concourse, along what we used to know as the first and third baselines. Besides LOG you will also find a Papa John’s pizza stand on each end, as well as a stand called Tersty Treats Poke LV in the middle of the concourse, which offers Hawaiian fare – options include poke and pork bowls, or nachos, shrimp bowls, Spam Ramen, and Spam Musubi. The Spam Musubi is probably the best value on their menu; for $4 you get a log of Spam and rice wrapped in seaweed, which you can dip in Rooster or soy Sauce. In addition to the options mentioned above, there are also a few other stands serving up things like street corn in various flavors, as well as donuts, and there are also a few stands that have a mini selection of what LOG offers, as well as a couple of stands which only have beer – choices include Estrella, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra. Note that all the stands at Cashman Field are cashless (which is slightly ironic given the stadium’s name). Atmosphere 4 There is not a ton of pomp and ceremony at XFL games, but what Cashman Field does have is a great facility despite its age – fans can choose to sit out on the grass in one of two “outfield” berm areas, or on those hot days, can sit under cover in the center section of the grandstand. The Vipers also have a corps of drummers called the Drumbots, who entertain fans throughout the day, and the staff also tosses out towels during breaks in the action. There are also a lot of vendors on hand, both inside and out, giving away freebies like Coke Zero, ZOA energy drinks, and vitamin water – there is also face painting and a football tossing game you can participate in, both of these outside the venue before you enter. There is no fixed videoboard at Cashman Field, but they set one up along the sideline facing the grandstand, complete with scaffolding and an upper deck, which is used by the broadcast crew during the contest. There are also mountains viewable in the distance as you watch the game, which is a brilliant aesthetic. One oddity to mention – while there are stadium lights at Cashman Field, for Vipers games they bring in 2 additional lighting rigs which are driven in on the backs of trucks, and then laddered up into the sky like a fire truck rescue basket; they had 2 of these lighting trucks at the most recent game I attended, but I am not sure why, as the game was in the middle of the day. Neighborhood 5 This is fabulous Las Vegas, so of course there is plenty to do in town. But even better, if you don’t want to confront the hustle and bustle (and noise, traffic, etc.) of the strip itself, there are several options within walking distance of Cashman Field. For example, right next to the stadium is the Old Mormon Fort, which contains the oldest building in Nevada. There is also the Neon Museum on the other side of the street from Cashman Field, which isn’t quite what it sounds like – it is an outdoor graveyard of old neon signs from Vegas’ bygone days, including classics like the sign from the old Area 51 hotel, or the 8-story tall Hard Rock Café sign from its prior location (don’t be fooled – the new Hard Rock Café is right on the strip; what you will find here is just their old sign). The Neon Museum looks especially great at night when many of the signs are lit up. There are also a few other quirky museums in Las Vegas, such as the Atomic Energy Museum, the Mob Museum, which just opened in April of 2023, and the Punk Rock Museum. There are also plenty of wedding chapels around if you are looking to get hitched in a hurry, and if you like gambling of course you can find slot machines in just about any hotel around, or even at the airport. Fans 2 There are not too many fans in attendance at Vegas Vipers games, but they are polite and do cheer at the appropriate times. There is a Vegas Vipers team store on site, however, in case you want to pick up any Vipers of XFL swag during your visit. Access 5 Access to and at Cashman Field is great – the facility is located on the north side of town a couple of miles from the heart of the strip, and you can park right next to the stadium for $30. You can also park for free on the streets in the neighborhood on the south side of the venue if you don’t mind walking a little further. Once you get inside there is plenty of room to move around – there are ramps on both sides of the grandstand, making ingress/egress easy, and there are short lines at nearly all of the concessions stands, with plenty of cashiers on hand to take your order. They are also more than enough bathrooms to accommodate the crowd size, and the aforementioned ramps make it accessible for the differently abled. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are a little on the high side mostly due to Ticketmaster fees – the cheapest ticket will probably run you $50 with half of that being the fees. Parking is also a little on the high side, as are concessions, but being as this is technically professional football the prices are probably to be expected. Cashman Field and the Vegas Vipers certainly offer a pretty good experience, but be aware it comes at a cost. Extras 3 All the giveaways they have on hand are a plus, and you can’t beat the numerous seating options fans can take advantage of – it likely won’t be anywhere full enough for the staff to bother checking tickets, so even if you don’t have seats in that area I would recommend sitting under cover to avoid the sun. Likewise, it is also great to see names like Eric Bellinger performing at halftime. Final thoughts All in all, I think a day at Cashman Field is worthwhile if you are in the Vegas area – a great setup for a football game, and you can also count on being very close to the action. There is also plenty to do in fabulous Las Vegas, so you really can’t go wrong with a visit to Sin City for an XFL game.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Shrine on Airline 6000 Airline Dr Metairie, LA 70003 Shrine on Airline Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 10,000 The Baby Cakes’ Crib The 2017 baseball season brought a number of changes to the AAA affiliate of the Miami Marlins. First, the team changed its name from the Zephyrs to the Baby Cakes (more on the name later). This necessitated the stadium being rechristened officially from Zephyr Field to the Shrine on Airline. Many locals still refer to the facility by its old name of 20 years, or choose to combine the two and call it “Zephyr Field at The Shrine on Airline”. The “Airline” reference is to the highway the stadium is located on. The Baby Cakes are members of the Pacific Coast League and over the years have gone to the PCL playoffs nine times, with five league championships and one AAA national pennant. Food & Beverage 4 New Orleans has always been known as a “foodie” city and the management at the Shrine on Airline knows that. They make sure they have a full array of the typical baseball fare, including hot dogs ($4.75), nachos ($6), a Southwestern chicken wrap ($7), large popcorn ($7), pretzels ($5), pickles ($1.50), chips ($2),cracker jacks ($3),and peanuts ($4). Pepsi beverages are served, including Pepsi sodas (24 oz. fountain drink for $4.50 or 20 oz. bottled soda for $6) or bottled water ($3). Draft beers are 16 oz. ($7). Thirsty Thursdays bring beers down to $2 and Two for Tuesdays provide two beers for the price of one. As you would suspect, the Baby Cakes also have a number of local favorites on their concession menu. They are available at stands with names like Bayou Social, Sugar Baby, Voodooque, Big Easy Dogs and Louisiana Links. You can expect gumbo ($7), red beans and rice ($7), po’ boy sandwiches ($9), jambalaya ($7) and pigskin nachos ($6) to be readily available as well. Bourbon Street comes to the ballpark through Bayou Social, where a wide variety of beers, cocktails and mixed drinks are available. Atmosphere 4 Despite the various name changes, the stadium amenities remain the same. The Shrine on Airline has chair back seating for 10,000 fans in a two level stadium. 1,000 more fans can watch the game from the berm (The Levee) beyond the center field wall. The stadium has 16 luxury suites and two party areas, the Cakes Party Shack along the first base line and the Metairie Bank Home Run Porch, which is located atop the left field wall. Two unusual amenities at the stadium are a swimming pool and a pair of hot tubs for use by groups attending the game. A very colorful scoreboard/video board in center field provides replays and info related to the players. The playing field has a natural surface, with dimensions of 330 feet to both left and right field and 400 feet to dead center. Neighborhood 3 The Shrine on Airline is actually located in the New Orleans suburb of Metairie, which is 10 miles northwest of the riverfront and entertainment districts of New Orleans and 4 miles east of the Louis Armstrong International Airport. The location was chosen as it is less prone to flooding from the Mississippi River and does not face the high land expense of being located downtown. The stadium is rather isolated as far as dining or lodging choices within walking distance of the stadium (fortunately the food choices at the game are above average.) The restaurants that are located nearby are not fancy to look at, but the food they serve is excellent. Three that we recommend are Bevi Seafood and the Frostop at Clearview. You also have close proximity to the Metairie location of New Orleans Original Daiquiris to get your Bourbon Street beverage fix taken care of. Your best variety of lodging choices will be four miles west of the stadium near the airport. Brands in the area include Days Inn, Hilton and Marriott. Obviously there are a huge number of lodging choices just 10 miles away in downtown New Orleans… just be prepared for the extremely high prices anywhere near Bourbon Street or the Convention Center. However…you’re in New Orleans so let the good times roll! Fans 3 New Orleans is known for its hospitality and showing visitors a good time. The management of the Baby Cakes makes sure a trip to the ballpark is no different. The team is outfitted in new uniforms in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold, music is always playing and there is some type of contest or entertainment taking place between each inning. The seating is close to the field and there is no bad seat in the house. After Katrina, the necessary repairs resulted in a much nicer scoreboard to keep you updated on the game stats and upcoming events. Fortunately, the new team name has not resulted in a diapered baby mascot waddling around the park. You will be thoroughly entertained by Boudreaux Nutria and his wife Clotile, a pair of bayou creatures who set up shop at the stadium long ago. The baseball team has dealt with low attendance in recent years despite being well priced and entertaining. There are a number of issues that have led to this problem. The distance from the prime tourist areas of New Orleans is one of the most obvious causes. Other issues are that New Orleans in the summer time can be extremely hot and humid, making a three hour game into a steam bath for the fans and finally, that New Orleans is still, even 12 years later, recovering from the effects of Katrina. Access 3 The Shrine on Airline is easily accessible from its namesake Airline Drive. Airline is a main thoroughfare connecting New Orleans with Louis Armstrong International Airport. This provides greater accessibility than many of the narrow streets within the New Orleans CBD and riverfront areas. The access to I-10 is also much easier from Metairie than downtown New Orleans. The concourses within the stadium are wide and provide for a good flow during the game. There are two drawbacks to the accessibility at The Shrine on Airline. One is that like all buildings in the New Orleans area, the water table is just below the surface. This means the field cannot be excavated to a lower level. As a result the stadium concourses are elevated higher than the entrance to the stadium. This can cause a backup at the stadium gate. The second problem is that there are only two entrances and exits into the parking lot, resulting in a slow departure after the game. Return on Investment 4 The prices at the Shrine on Airline are what you typically would expect at the AAA level of baseball. Advance ticket prices are $12 for adults on the lower level or $10 on the upper level (game day sales are $1 more). Children, seniors, first responders, and military can attend for $11 in the lower level and $9 in the upper deck. Seats on the Levee are considered General Admission and are $5. Parking in the stadium lot is $5. The food prices are very good and the selection of regional foods available far exceeds most ballparks. Extras 5 Baseball, like the city of New Orleans, is a survivor. A team has played in the Crescent City region for over 110 years. In this period, the professional teams representing New Orleans have been members of five different leagues, had innumerable name changes and been affiliated with 14 of the 30 major league franchises. The Shrine was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina, but never missed a game. The end of the 2005 season ended three days prior to the storm coming ashore and the stadium was the first professional sports facility in the area to resume play with the 2006 season opener taking place on time. This provided a great emotional lift to the area and was the first sign that New Orleans was on the way to recovery. The game day staff is known as the Krewe. They do an outstanding job of making your trip to the Shrine a fun and enjoyable experience. The berms behind the outfield fences are known as “The Levee” and mark the highest altitude in the city of Metairie, which is below sea level. The name “Baby Cakes” refers to a longtime New Orleans tradition at Mardi Gras. A small plastic baby is hidden inside of a Mardi Gras cake, known as a King Cake. Whoever finds the baby in their slice of cake is considered to have good luck for the next year. The team will provide a lifelong pass to Baby Cake games to any child born in the state of Louisiana during 2017. Additionally, these babies will also be eligible for a raffle where the winner will win a 4 year scholarship from the team to attend any state college in the Pelican State. In addition to minor league baseball, the Shrine on Airline has hosted the Conference USA baseball tournament on two occasions and one Sun Belt Conference baseball tournament. After Hurricane Katrina, both the University of New Orleans and Tulane University played a season at the Shrine, as their campus stadiums received much greater damage from the storm.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Hinsdale Central Gym 5500 S Grant St. Hinsdale, IL 60521 Hinsdale Central HS Red Devils Hinsdale Central Gym website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 3,500 Red Ribbons and Plenty of Banners They have been playing basketball at Hinsdale Central High School since 1901 and when the Illinois High School Association created a basketball tournament to crown a state champion in 1908, the high school was one of 13 schools invited. The Red Devils would finish 4th that season but the following year captured the state championship with an 18-13 victory over Washington after sporting a 22-3 regular-season record. This was also the first season when the tournament was opened to all schools in the state. The 1909 game was the school’s lone championship in boy’s basketball but the Devils have produced 19 West Suburban Conference championships, three Elite Eight appearances in the state tournament, and two regional championships. The club also produced an impressive 27 consecutive home victories between 1996 and 1997 when the team sported an overall record of 55-7. Since 1952 the basketball games have been held at the Hinsdale Central Gym–the “Central” was added when Hinsdale South High School opened in 1965. The capacity was once listed as 4,200 but has been trimmed down to around 3,500 these days. The gym features a classic look from its exterior main entrance and is more impressive once you walk through its doors. The gym is also home to the annual Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic that features 16 teams from the area competing over 4 days of 32 high school hoops taking place on the iconic court. The tournament began in 2015 and is one of ten that takes place in the state around the holidays. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at the corner of the gym on the lower level that is quite large for a high school venue. The options are similar to other gyms and include hot dogs, nachos, pizza slices, candy, and chips. However, fans can opt for a brat while watching a basketball game. The prices are reasonable and range between $1 to $4 and include the school’s official water that is made specifically for the high school. Atmosphere 4 The first thing you will most likely notice is the multiple banners hanging from the ceiling’s perimeter honoring the multiple school championship teams dating from 1909. There are 112 banners from the school’s various programs that include traditional powerhouses in tennis and swimming. There is also a banner from the 2014-2015 season when a record 8 different boys and girls teams won their respective championships. The second noticeable feature of girls is the looping red ribbons that hang from the ceiling that give the place much of its charm and character. The decor adds to the plethora of red that is featured in and around the gymnasium. The gym itself has a box-shaped design with an outer concourse with staircases at each corner.\ There is an upper balcony that wraps around the majority of the arena and features permanent thick brown bleacher seats behind each basket. The balcony seats behind the baskets almost hover over the action taking place down below. The box-shaped lower-level bleachers are more modern and can be pulled in and out depending on the event taking place in the gym. A wrap-around outer concourse houses multiple accolades and trophy cases along with a couple of small ticket windows. The atmosphere is quite different between a home Red Devils game in comparison to a holiday tournament. There is no band, student section, dance squad, or cheer team to be found during the games. However, the design of the venue and its charm provides its atmosphere during the winter break of basketball games. Neighborhood 3 Hinsdale is located 17 miles west of Chicago and features a population of 17,000 plus. There are a few places to grab a bite to eat before the game including classic Chicago foods at Chishack and Falco’s Pizzeria. Chishack is known for Italian beef, hot dogs sausages, and burgers. Falco’s serves regular, ultra-thin, or double-dough crust pizza along with sandwiches, pasta, and dinners. Pints of beer are $2 on Tuesday and Thursday. There are a few craft breweries within a couple of miles from the high school and including Scallywag Brewing and Black Horizon Brewing Company. Another great choice of beer is Fuller House, an American tavern offering wood-fired pizza. The Graue Mill is a water-powered grist mill that was originally erected in 1852. Now a museum, it is one of two operating water-powered grist mills in Illinois. The Hinsdale History Museum bridges the past, present, and future by engaging the community with its history and architecture. The Western Springs Water Tower is a museum and former water tower in nearby Western Springs. Fans 3 The Devils have some great fans and during the tournament came in droves to support their team on Boxing Day. It is probably a little different during a regular season home game where the student section comes alive and the band adds the musical soundtrack to the proceedings. Access 4 The gym is located within a few miles of I-294 and its design makes moving around the building quite effective. The contests are not heavily attended and fans will be able to move around to enjoy games without trampling over students and fans. Bathrooms are located on the outer concourse of the gym. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to games are $8 per day and that allows access to all four games. The concession prices are reasonable and parking is free in the large lot outside the gym. The games are competitive and many go down to the last second allowing for enjoyable experiences from the stands. Extras 4 The gym receives three points for its 112 banners that decorate the rafters, the red ribbons that hang from its ceilings, and it's balcony seating that hovers above the main court. The gym earns a final point for its Red Devil Fuel, basically bottled water, but a nice touch when visiting the concession stand during the game. -------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Owen T. Carroll Field 400 South Orange Ave South Orange, NJ 07079 Seton Hall Pirates website Owen T. Carroll Field website Year Opened: 1907 Capacity: 1,800 Pirates Soccer in South Orange Owen T. Carroll Field on the campus of Seton Hall University is home to the Pirates' baseball and soccer teams. The stadium opened in 1907 and has been home to Seton Hall men's soccer since 1928 and the women's soccer program since its inception. It has been renovated several times, most recently in 2019. This review will focus on the experience at a Seton Hall soccer game. Stadium Journey also has a review of Owen T. Carroll Field for Seton Hall baseball . Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at Owen T. Carroll Field. However, the reason we give this category one star rather than zero is that there are several promotions a year offering free food to fans. When Stadium Journey visited, Seton Hall was giving away free cookies and hot chocolate to fans, although they ran out by halftime. Check the promotion schedule for more details. Fans are also free to bring their food and drink, except alcohol. Atmosphere 4 The sightlines at Owen T. Carroll Field are better than you would expect at a dual-use baseball/soccer field. The seating area is located entirely along one sideline behind the benches in what would be the centerfield for baseball and runs parallel to the sideline. This makes for some odd dimensions for baseball but is ideal for soccer. The only downside is that you may struggle to see over the roofs that cover the team benches, but this will only obstruct a very small portion of the field near the sideline. There are only a few rows of seats in the soccer seating area. The middle sections consist of chairbacks, while the others are bleachers without backs. Seating is first-come, first-served, but you should have no trouble getting a chairback no matter when you arrive. A large scoreboard is located to the left of the seating area and shows the number of shots and saves for each team, as well as the score and clock. It is also capable of displaying animated graphics, although this is rarely used. It will show a graphic saying "Corner Kick" when one happens, but this feature seems underutilized. The seating area in the baseball stadium behind home plate is also open, but nobody will be sitting here, and you will only be able to see the soccer field over the advertising boards from the top couple of roads. It can be a unique place to watch a game from, but you will be very far from the field. Neighborhood 5 The Seton Hall campus is located in South Orange, New Jersey, which may be the best college town in the Big East. The downtown area around South Orange Avenue is filled with local businesses. Bunny's Sports Bar is very popular with the locals, but you will find many options here, from Italian to Chinese to bars, pubs, and whatever else you might want. Just keep in mind if you head too far east on South Orange Avenue towards Newark, the neighborhood gets a lot worse. You should be safe if you drive through here in your car on the way to or from campus, but you don't want to do too much walking around here. Still, as long as you stick to the part of South Orange Avenue near campus, this is a great neighborhood. Fans 3 Seton Hall draws a few hundred fans to a typical game, who will be a good mix of friends and family of the players, Seton Hall students, and local Pirates fans. While the seating area won't be full, the crowd can get fairly loud at times. At other times, however, it will be so quiet that you can hear most of the shouting going on on the field. Soccer may not be the biggest sport at Seton Hall, but this is still a decent fan base. Access 4 Seton Hall is located on South Orange Ave., which runs through Newark into South Orange itself. A large parking garage is located right next to the stadium, and you should have no trouble parking here. However, you will then need to walk down Seton Drive parallel to the right field line of the baseball stadium to get to the soccer bleachers. This is not a long walk by any means, but it does mean the garage isn't as close as it seems. One small point to note is that although the field is visible from the garage, signs prohibit fans from watching the game from there. The South Orange train station is also located a short walk away from the Seton Hall campus. Restrooms are located behind the first base dugout in the baseball portion of the stadium, so this can be a bit of a walk from the soccer bleachers. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes, but plan accordingly. Since soccer is such a fast-paced game with no real stoppages other than halftime, this walk means you can miss a significant portion of the match while you go. This does cause us to take this ranking down a notch when it would otherwise score even higher. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Seton Hall soccer games is free, except Big East or NCAA Tournament games. Parking in the garage is also free, and while there are no concessions to buy, there is sometimes free food, which improves the value even more. . Extras 3 A marketing table is located by the entrance, offering giveaways. There are banners on the far sideline listing Seton Hall's soccer postseason accomplishments. Look for the retired number poster near the entrance to the bleachers honoring Kelly Smith, a Seton Hall women's soccer player who went on to play professionally in England and the United States, as well as representing England and the Great Britain Olympic team internationally. Final Thoughts Owen T. Carroll Field is a unique place to watch a soccer game. While soccer on a baseball field isn't always the best viewing experience, Seton Hall finds a way to make it work here. For college soccer fans in North Jersey, a Seton Hall soccer game is a fun way to spend a fall day.

Photos courtesy Seton Hall Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Owen T. Carroll Field 400 South Orange Ave South Orange, NJ 07079 Seton Hall Pirates website Owen T. Carroll Field website Year Opened: 1907 Capacity: 1,800 Pirates Baseball in South Orange Owen T. Carroll Field has been the home of the Seton Hall University baseball team since 1907. The field underwent a 6.5 million dollar renovation in 2006. The renovation included the addition of field turf. In June of 2010, the field turf was replaced. Carroll Field is located on the campus of Seton Hall University. The field is named for Owen T. Carroll, who coached the Pirates from 1948-1972. The field is located near the Richie Regan Athletic Center, where the Seton Hall women’s basketball team plays. Food & Beverage 0 There is no concession stand at Owen T. Carroll Field. There are many places to purchase food in the town of South Orange, and a few options on the Seton Hall campus. There is no alcohol allowed since this field is on a college campus. Atmosphere 2 The atmosphere at a Seton Hall baseball game is very subdued. There is a PA announcer who does a solid job at introducing the players and adding some enthusiasm. There is walkup music for each player on the Pirates, as well as between innings. There are 2 large bleacher sections near the dugouts, and a small area behind home plate. There are also bleachers in the outfield. These seats are generally used for the soccer games, as the Seton Hall soccer squad plays on the same field as the baseball team. Some fans also stand on the parking deck along the third baseline to get a different perspective of the game. There are also some giveaways throughout the season. Schedules, player posters, and other giveaways and promotions are seen during the year. Neighborhood 3 Owen T. Carroll Field is on the campus of Seton Hall University. The village of South Orange is relatively safe, even though it borders the city of Newark, which has a reputation as a dangerous place. Fans looking for some dining options can go into the village, which is right down South Orange Ave. There are plenty of dining options and even a movie theater. The village of South Orange is a typical college town. You will see many storefronts that support Seton Hall University athletics. There are many things to do and see in the village, which is a short walk down South Orange Ave. Fans 1 The fans at Seton Hall baseball games are generally family members.Some students come to the games, and there are also family members from the opposing team if Seton Hall is playing a school close by.The fans are quiet except for the cheers from an RBI or a nice defensive play. Access 4 Seton Hall is located on South Orange Ave. which runs through Newark. You can reach Seton Hall from the Garden State Parkway, and is fairly easy to find. Once on the Seton Hall campus, Owen T. Carroll Field is fairly easy to find. Once inside the gates of Seton Hall, you just follow the road and it will be on your left. There are many lots so parking will be easy to find. There is also a train station in the village of South Orange. The campus of Seton Hall is about a 10-15 minute walk from the train station. Return on Investment 3 There is no price to attend a Seton Hall baseball game. Seton Hall does not charge for parking, and there are no concessions sold at the game. The quality of baseball that you will see is well worth the cost of gas to get to the game. Seton Hall is a Division One program, and many great players have come through South Orange. Perhaps the most notable alumnus is 2015 Baseball Hall of Famer Craig Biggio. You will have a great seat no matter where you sit, and you will see some top notch college baseball. . Extras 3 One star is awarded for the programs that are given out at every game. The programs provide information on each Seton Hall player as well as the stats of each team. A second star is awarded for the great scoreboard at Carroll Field. In addition to all your basic information, it also shows a graphic for each player when they come to the plate. A final star is given for the beautiful field and facility that Seton Hall has, as well as the retired numbers which can be seen along the right field fence. Final Thoughts There are very few bells and whistles at Owen T. Carroll Field. What you will see however, is high quality college baseball. This quaint college town of South Orange is a nice place to spend a day, and take in a ballgame while you are there. You may end up seeing a future MLB player, or as many Pirate fans have in the past, a future Hall of Famer.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 ODU Volleyball Center 4500 Parker Avenue Norfolk, VA 23529 Old Dominion Monarchs website ODU Volleyball Center website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 900 Monarch Volleyball Located on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, the ODU Volleyball Center is home to the Monarchs' volleyball program, as you might expect from the name. The Volleyball Center is a modern venue opened in 2020, featuring 900 chairback seats, a spacious lobby, and practice facilities. When creating the ODU volleyball program in 2020, the Monarchs elected to build a state-of-the-art new facility, renovating an old athletic administration building, rather than play in the basketball arena or an old practice gym as some other schools do. The move has definitely paid off for them, as this is a high-quality arena. Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession stand at a window in the lobby of the ODU Volleyball Complex. The menu is pretty simple. Hot dogs are $6, peanuts (in a large bag from Texas Roadhouse) are $5, nachos are $6, chips are $3, candy is $5, and popcorn is $5.50. To drink, bottled water and soda are $5 and Gatorade is $6. Alcohol is available at a cart outside the entrance to the building, but as the alcohol can only be consumed in this outdoor area, it is not very popular at all. Atmosphere 5 Walking into the ODU Volleyball Center will put you in a spacious lobby with several displays honoring Monarchs volleyball. You will buy your tickets at a table located straight ahead, then walk through the doors on your right to enter the arena. All seats are chairbacks, almost all along the sidelines, with an excellent view of the action on the court. As the court was designed for volleyball rather than basketball, which has a much wider playing area, the sideline seats are quite close to the action. A videoboard plays a hype video before the game, then functions as a scoreboard as well as graphic display. It seems to be capable of displaying player stats, but when Stadium Journey visited, it briefly displayed the player stats from the previous game before that functionality went away entirely for the remainder of the match. Before the game, the lights go down as a spotlight shines on the court and the Monarchs are introduced. Then the hype video plays to get the crowd fired up. With the low ceilings, it can get quite loud throughout the game (more on that in the Fans section) and the atmosphere here can be quite spectacular. Neighborhood 3 The ODU Volleyball Center is located in the middle of the Old Dominion campus, in a residential neighborhood, so there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity. However, if you head a few blocks east on 43rd Street to the vicinity of Chartway Arena, there are many options for visitors to enjoy. La Herradura is a popular Mexican restaurant, and Del Vecchios is known for its pizza. If you make the short drive into downtown Norfolk, you will find even more options. Fans 5 The ODU Volleyball Center seats about 900 fans, and while it is not usually completely full, it does come close, drawing 600-700 fans a game, including many locals and students. This is far from a friends and family crowd that you see at some schools. The fans in attendance are quite loud, boosted by the low ceilings and tight walls. Then the Monarchs have a set point, they rise to their feet, cheer, and urge them to finish the task. While ODU certainly doesn't have the largest volleyball crowds in the country, the fan support is just right for the size of the arena. You should still be able to get tickets, no need to worry about it selling out, but you will find an electric fan atmosphere here. Access 4 The city of Norfolk is accessible via many highways, including I-64, I-564, I-264, and I-664. The ODU campus is easily accessible from all of them. However, if coming from points north and west of Norfolk, you will likely need to take one of the bridge-tunnels across either the harbor or the bay. These can have long backups at times, particularly later in the season as summer approaches and people start heading to the beach. Be sure to allow extra time to get across. Once you are on campus, parking is available in Lot 43 as well as in the parking garage at Elkhorn Avenue and 43rd Street. In either location, parking is $2 per hour on weekdays, payable via your mobile phone. Follow the instructions on the posted signs, which will tell you how to pay. Be warned that the campus authorities do ticket cars who don't pay. On weekends, parking is free. Restrooms are available in the lobby and are of a sufficient size for the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Admission to all ODU regular season volleyball games is just $5. Military gets in for $4 with valid ID and ODU students get in for free. Tickets are purchased at the door when you arrive and can't be purchased in advance. This is a good value, but the cost to park brings this down a little. Try to go on a weekend to maximize your value. Extras 4 Free programs are available as you come in. Two stars here for the lion statue in the lobby - a reference to ODU's mascot - and the photos of ODU volleyball players on display. Monarchs volleyball has clearly made this place their home. A fourth and final star for the pregame hype video and player introductions with the spotlight to get the crowd fired up. Final Thoughts The ODU Volleyball Center is a high-quality, modern facility that is just the right fit for the Monarchs volleyball program. It is just the right size for the fan support the Monarchs attract, and the athletic department puts a lot of effort into the fan experience here. It is good to see ODU build a modern volleyball arena for their program rather than simply put up a net in a basketball arena that would be far too large, or stick them in an old practice gym. Volleyball fans in this area of Virginia will definitely want to check out a game at ODU.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Infinity Insurance Park 11491 SW 17th St Miami, FL 33199 Florida International Golden Panthers website Infinity Insurance Park website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 2,000 The Other Miami Baseball Power Without a doubt, FIU baseball has been one of the school’s few steady contenders year after year. However, they get overshadowed by the University of Miami all too frequently. FIU Baseball Stadium’s generally uninteresting exterior also makes it easy to drive right by without paying too much attention to it. Once inside the facility, there isn’t too much optically to blow one’s mind, but the seating and viewing angles are quite good for college baseball. Food & Beverage 3 FIU’s concessions are generally good, but nothing too exciting. Prices are moderately average, with chicken sandwiches and nachos running $6, sausages at $5, pizza, burgers, peanuts, Cracker Jack, hot pretzels, and hot dogs costing $4, and popcorn going for $3 to $5. Assorted candy and snacks run anywhere from $1 to $5 as well, with sodas and water costing $4. The school does offer arepas for $5 and plantain chips for $3, giving you a few staple south Florida options not always available everywhere else. Atmosphere 3 The students do tend to turn out for FIU baseball, with fans packing it in during popular games against bigger teams and rivalry matchups. Sellouts are frequent for in-state rivalry games against Miami, Florida State, Florida Atlantic, and others. However, while those games may have a playoff feel, games against lesser known and district opponents tend to be snooze-fests at times, drawing a smaller crowd than others. The fans here are sport knowledgeable, and know the FIU players well. The students and fans do lack that passion you see at some schools, where those in attendance tend to go all out with face paint, homemade signs, and specialized cheers for specific players or opponents. However, this laid-back atmosphere also makes FIU baseball an ideal place to bring young fans to. Neighborhood 3 FIU Baseball Stadium is on campus, like all of FIU's athletic fields, which makes it convenient to attend. Unlike stadiums in the middle of a city, there is a sense of security on campus, as you are seemingly separated from the rest of the neighborhood around it. However, there still remains the issue of how that surrounding neighborhood looks, and it isn't exactly the best in Miami – Sweetwater is a town known for political corruption and severe street flooding during hurricanes, and not much else. Put a college campus in the middle of it, and you have FIU. The campus itself is growing by the day, with new construction all over the place, and new buildings popping up. FIU Baseball Stadium is on the far west end of the campus, situated in a corner behind US Century Bank Arena (home of FIU basketball) next to FIU Soccer stadium, and across the street from Riccardo Silva Stadium's parking lot. Very few hotels are nearby, making the idea of an overnight trip hard if you wanted to stay close to the action. Fans 3 The fans at FIU Baseball Stadium aren’t exactly rowdy or hardcore into the game, but they aren’t people who have no idea what is going on either. There is a nice mix of students, locals, and alumni who attend, with the occasional celebrity sighting at the games. The laid-back atmosphere makes it great for kids, and younger fans can get engaged during game breaks on days when the staff has giveaways and games for them to take part in. Access 3 Getting to any stadium at FIU isn't too hard, but traffic can sometimes be problematic. As is typical in Miami, traffic backs up right around the exits nearest FIU's campus on a daily basis. If you find yourself hoping to get to a game and rush hour happens to have lasted a little longer on that day, you may be in for a late arrival. FIU’s campus is right off of Florida's Turnpike, and FIU’s softball field is actually visible from the freeway itself. There is free parking available for FIU baseball games across the street from FIU Baseball Stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are not expensive by any means, and with the smaller crowds, you can move around pretty much to any seat you wish to sit in. That said, the moderately low cost of concessions means you aren’t spending a million bucks to go to a college baseball game, which in itself is a pretty great deal. However, with nothing to really set itself apart from anywhere else in college baseball, FIU Baseball Stadium doesn’t offer anything to draw you into their games, other than the prospect of watching D1 baseball. Extras 2 There are free posters given away to fans who come to games, as well as free game programs. The seats are also not assigned, so you can pick from the standard bleacher seats in the upper seating, or the individually-backed chair seats in the first few rows up from the field itself. Final Thoughts Despite its flaws, FIU Baseball Stadium offers close views to the field from all seating areas, and generally low prices for concessions. That said, it feels like a stadium that is missing that special something to make it truly feel worthy of a special visit just to take in a Golden Panthers baseball game.

A few months back Stadium Journey reviewed the CIAA Basketball Tournament held at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD. The arena had went through an amazing renovation and technically closed again after the tournament to finalize updates in time for the official grand opening, a April 7, 2023 concert by Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. "Got a wife and kids in Baltimore, Jack I went out for a ride and I never went back." Well...you will want to go back... The arena now known as the CFG Bank Arena has a long and storied history. It opened in 1962 as the Baltimore Civic Center. During its time as the Civic Center, the arena hosted legends such as The Beatles, Martin Luther King Jr., and Led Zeppelin, as well as being the home floor of the Baltimore Bullets of the NBA until their move to near Washington, DC in 1973. The indoor soccer team, the Baltimore Blast, as well as various sports teams have also made the venue their home over the years. The venue is also on the site of the Henry Fite House, which became known as "Congress Hall" when it briefly served as the new United States of America's seat of government from 1776–77. The Oak View Group (OVG), which was chosen by the City of Baltimore to manage the venue, closed down the arena in early 2022 to perform a massive renovation on the aging arena. The venue is the seventh arena launched by OVG in 16 months. OVG was formed by Tim Leiweke and his business partner, Irving Azoff. The arena is no longer the outdated dump of arena that is in so many people's memories. Renovations to the arena included new cushioned seats in the bowl and 38 new suites, refurbished concourses and upgraded concessions. The building’s signature spiked roof was preserved. Next-generation touchless and self-serve technologies for food and beverage and merchandise purchases were added, as well as numerous behind the scenes changes. The existing stage area was changed to accommodate the larger size needs of modern events. Stadium Journey attended a recent concert by Lizzo to see how the arena runs as a concert venue. While an occasional sporting event may be held at the arena, it is obvious the changes were largely made for entertainment and not sports. The lack of an updated scoreboard demonstrates this, as sports would want a version better than exists now. It is a bit strange for guests who have been to this venue before as the old 100-level has now been merged into the old 200-level which created a larger "new" 100-level. The concourse above this 100-level has had it's walls removed and a more open concourse was created. They will use large curtains to keep it somewhat separated for concerts where with sporting events they will likely keep it open. The old corner seats that faced away from most of the action has now been changed to be like a more normal corner, curved seating area. The acoustics were very good and on the higher quality end for concerts at a large arena. If you want to see an event in Baltimore, do not let memories of the old Baltimore Arena hold you back. This is a world class venue that will be making history for quite a long time.

Photos by Patricia Beninato, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Highmark Stadium 510 W. Station Square Dr Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC website Highmark Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 5,000 The Other Pittsburgh Football Team Its stadium is on one of the fabled three rivers, its team colors are black and gold, and its fan base is loyal and intense. No, the team isn’t the Steelers, but Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The Hounds are the Burgh’s newest team, joining the United Soccer League Championship League in 1999. It took the Hounds a while to establish themselves in Pittsburgh–in fact, it played in suburban high school stadiums for well over a decade before it got its own home in Highmark Stadium, which opened in 2013. Not only does the stadium win the “Best Pittsburgh Skyline View” award among the other Burgh sports venues, but it also fields a pretty good team, with captain Alex Dixon, Dane Kelly, and Kenardo Forbes leading the way under head coach Bob Lilley. Food & Beverage 4 Highmark Stadium’s concessions offer the basics–hot dogs, burgers, nachos, chicken fingers, and Dippin’ Dots ice cream. This being Pittsburgh, though, you’re going to want to try the pierogies. More to the point, the disco pierogies, topped with cheese, onions, and sour cream, a takeoff on neighboring New Jersey’s disco fries. You’ll find the longest lines at the funnel cake stand, where staff fries them as fast as people can eat them. While pandemic protocols were still in place, the stadium created the Tailgate Zone, where any ticket holder can grab stuff from food trucks, enjoy an adult beverage and listen to live music. The trucks vary, but you can check the Riverhounds’ website to see what truck will be there when you’re attending. A hot dog and domestic beer will run you $14. There’s a roomy, well-appointed bar just inside the gates for those who want mixed drinks. If actual tailgating’s your thing, you’ll find a fun, family-friendly scene here. Atmosphere 5 Highmark Stadium holds 5,000 with additional standing room. Most of the seats are on the south and east sides because no one wants to block the absolutely breathtaking view of downtown Pittsburgh. Unlike Heinz Field and PNC Park, Highmark Stadium is located on the south shore of the Monongahela River, so Hounds fans get the best panorama of the city, with the Fort Pitt Bridge on the west side behind the club seating. No matter where you sit, you’ll have a good view of the game, the city, and the river. Don’t expect a lot of extracurriculars, though–people are here to watch soccer, not mascots or cheerleaders. Okay, they might watch the passing boats, particularly the Gateway Clipper, the famous tourist paddleboat that makes regular passes on the Mon during games, or admire the skyline repeatedly. The latter is very hard not to do while you’re here. Neighborhood 4 Highmark Stadium anchors the western end of Station Square, an entertainment complex built around the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad station. You’ll find the Pittsburgh outpost of the Hard Rock Cafe here and chains like Buca di Beppo and Joe’s Crab Shack. If you want to go super-fancy, check out Grand Concourse, located inside the beautifully restored depot. The recently opened Tupelo Honey has already established itself as the place to go for fried chicken in the Burgh. There’s a Sheraton hotel here too. If you’re here on the weekend, make sure to stay until Sunday and get a reservation for Grand Concourse’s legendary Sunday brunch buffet. If you decide to take a cruise on the Gateway Clipper, which docks here, enjoy the views but don’t eat on the boat, not when so many good restaurants are available. Fans 5 For such a small venue, Highmark Stadium attracts fairly full houses on a regular basis. Like soccer stadiums worldwide, fans are happily–and continuously–noisy. If you want the whole Riverhounds fan experience, sit in the bleachers on the stadium’s east side. This is the home of the Steel Army, the flag-waving, name-calling, singing, chanting diehard Hounds fans, so of course, this is where the casual fan will have the most fun. Everyone seems to know how the other USL teams are doing, and while there might be some good-natured ribbing, fans of the opposing team will find the Steel Army pretty welcoming. Access 4 With its convenient location at Station Square, it’s easy to get to Highmark Stadium, with ample signage on Interstate 376/Parkway East and West. If you’re staying in downtown Pittsburgh, you can hop the light rail to the Station Square stop and take a short walk from there. If it’s a nice evening (all home games start at 7 P.M.), you can walk across the Smithfield Street Bridge, which ends at Station Square coming out of downtown. You can also walk across the Fort Pitt Bridge, which comes out on the western side of Station Square by the stadium, but be advised there’s always a lot of traffic on the bridge and it’s pretty noisy. Parking at the stadium is $15, but you’ll find cheaper parking within the Station Square complex. If you’re driving and want to get out quickly after the game, it’s strongly suggested to take the exit west of the stadium, as most of Station Square is east of the stadium with a finicky traffic light that causes semi-major backups. Also, because of the venue’s small size, it can be a little difficult to move around when it’s crowded. Highmark Stadium offers wheelchair-accessible seating. Restrooms are spacious and clean and also wheelchair-accessible. Return on Investment 4 Not only are the Steel Army seats fun, but they’re also cheap at $15.50, and a midfield front row seat will run you maybe $25. Since the games are well-attended, the Riverhounds don’t have to run discounts, but you won’t hear people grumbling about getting gouged like they do at Pirates games. It’s very easy to make a night out of a Riverhounds game without spending too much, so families and those looking for inexpensive entertainment options both love going to Highmark Stadium. Extras 3 There is a Riverhounds team store under the club seating, but it’s small and can get claustrophobically crowded, particularly at halftime. Prices, however, are pretty good, and there are enough little things like magnets and horns to make picking up a few souvenirs for the kids worthwhile. In addition, players are always available after games to pose for pictures and sign autographs so that the souvenirs can be even cheaper. Final Thoughts Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC might be the low team on the Steel City sports totem pole, but Highmark Stadium is a genuine gem. With inexpensive tickets, a prime location, and a winning team, a Riverhounds game is becoming an undercover must-do for Pittsburgh residents and visitors alike. The team is allegedly applying for entry into Major League Soccer, but soccer fans won’t be disappointed by either the action on the field or the venue where it’s housed.